Advent is a time of traditions. We trot out our traditional Christmas decoration, with maybe a few new ones to work into the collection. We sing and hear the old traditional songs, with a few songs that weren’t that traditional a scant ten years ago. We carry out our traditional family activities, with some new ones we want to try to introduce.

Come to think of it, Advent isn’t just about traditions. It’s about innovations as well. We like what’s familiar, but we like to try out new things as well. “New treasures and old,” as Jesus said.

That’s a phrase that Jesus used to describe someone who seriously studies Scripture. The old treasures are the time honored stories of God’s people. The new treasures are the insights to be gained into our present lives, as we compare and contrast our lives to those who’ve gone before us.

Let’s look at Advent with a similar goal, approaching the old story of prophecy, birth and celebration with an openness to new insights and understandings. Bring on the traditions, and bring on the innovations!

We invite you to join us Sunday morning, at 9:30 a.m. for adult Sunday School and 10:30 a.m. for worship. We’re located on the corner of First and High Street in Steelville. For more information, check out our website at steelvillepresbyterian.org.