Monthly Minute with Pastor Andrew
December 2025
Hello to all the Monthly Minute readers of West Hempfield Presbyterian Church!
This year the season of Advent (4 Sundays before Christmas) began on November 30.
“Advent” means “coming,” “arrival,” or “appearance.” In Advent we count down the days and we prepare for the coming of the Messiah on Christmas Day.
In many ways Advent is the beginning of something new. The beginning of a new church calendar year. The beginning of the New Testament stories. The beginning of the Christian church’s story with the arrival of the baby Jesus in Bethlehem.
In many ways, though, Advent is also a continuation. A new chapter, perhaps, but the same story. God of the New Testament is the same God of the Old Testament. Old Testament stories point ahead to the coming of Jesus the Messiah as well. The Gospel of John even tells us that Jesus, the living Word of God who is made flesh at Christmas, (John 1:2-3a) He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made.
This Advent at WHPC we also have a new beginning, that is also just a continuation. A new chapter, perhaps, but the same story.
My job responsibilities are shifting. Our worship start time is shifting. A few more volunteers are needed in the office. But, now alongside the First UCC of Irwin whose financial support allows us to keep doing what we’re doing, I am still preaching the good news of Jesus Christ (twice each Sunday, like the good old days) and we are still worshiping the Creator of Heaven and Earth every Sunday.
Happy Advent! Merry Christmas!
Blessings, Rev. Andrew Wirt
Pastor Andrew Recommends:
This time of year there is so much “Christmas” around us. I want to take the opportunity here to remind us all about the reason for the season.
The church’s new RightNow Media subscription is a great way to keep the focus of Christmas on Jesus, where it should be.
I recommend opening the RightNow Media website or app and selecting “Browse” and then “Holidays (Christmas).” Anything that you find there this month (for kids or adults, 5 minutes or 35, 2 sessions or 25) should be a blessing as we prepare for Christmas in our hearts as well as in our homes.
If you find a video or series that is particularly meaningful to you this year, let me know so I can check it out too!
Sign up for FREE:
