A couple of weeks ago I received an email from a Pastor friend who was having knee surgery. She was wondering if I would be available to fill in a couple of Sundays for her on November 29th and December 6th. I immediately agreed. My friend offered me the opportunity to give any message or a message based on the church calendar.

The 29th was the first week of Advent. I knew that a message on a random subject would never do so I decided to follow the calendar.

During Advent, we prepare for, and anticipate, the coming of Christ. On top of preparing for the return of Christ I also needed to prepare a message about it.

So I sat down and began to prepare. After several hours of struggling I finally had my first sermon completed. I stopped for a break and emailed our Pastor to tell her how much I appreciated her efforts. I had always admired how Pastors had the ability to come up with a new message week in and week out, but having the opportunity to fill in took my appreciation to a whole new level. It is not easy.

I continue to prepare and look forward to the opportunity my Pastor friend has given me. I am sure everything will be okay but in the back of my mind I am a little concerned. I remember some of the pranks we used to play on our substitute teachers and pray that this is not payback to me as the substitute preacher.

• substitute preacher