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The Fourth Sunday in Advent brings us close to the edge of glory. Appropriately, the theme for the day is that of “Love.” In celebration, we will light the Advent Candle of Love, during worship in church, to join those of Hope, Peace and Joy.
The word “Love” has to be amongst the most abused words in common parlance. This reality can tarnish its real meaning. It was the great insight of the Evangelist, when he endeavored to explicate the mystery of the Incarnation of God in Jesus, to declare; “For God so loved the world . . .” As we approach Christmas Day we are challenged anew to reflect upon the profundity of this declaration and the reality behind it. There is no better place to do so than in the sanctuary amongst the faithful. Do join us for worship on Sunday; and as you behold the candle of Love flicker, consider the acts of Love that have made you who you are. Consider, too, how you may continue the tradition and pass it on. Following worship we will have our Christmas Celebration Brunch. There will be a time for crafts and a presentation by our children, and, of course, food! Come, catch the spirit! The Fourth Sunday in Advent brings us close to the edge of glory. Appropriately, the theme for the day is that of “Love.” In celebration, we will light the Advent Candle of Love, during worship in church, to join those of Hope, Peace and Joy. The word “Love” has to be amongst the most abused words in common parlance. This reality can tarnish its real meaning. It was the great insight of the Evangelist, when he endeavored to explicate the mystery of the Incarnation of God in Jesus, to declare; “For God so loved the world . . .” As we approach Christmas Day we are challenged anew to reflect upon the profundity of this declaration and the reality behind it. There is no better place to do so than in the sanctuary amongst the faithful. Do join us for worship on Sunday; and as you behold the candle of Love flicker, consider the acts of Love that have made you who you are. Consider, too, how you may continue the tradition and pass it on. Following worship we will have our Christmas Celebration Brunch. There will be a time for crafts and a presentation by our children, and, of course, food! Come, catch the spirit!
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Are the stresses of this season getting to you? Have you lost your ability to be joyous? If so, take a deep breath and step back from the fray.
The third Sunday in Advent invites us to contemplate Joy with the lighting of the Candle of that name. We remember that the birth of Jesus was announced as “glad tidings of great joy.” Joy is a gift and it needs to be cultivated. If and when we neglect the gift of joy we suffer deep loss in our lives. Join us for worship this Sunday as we light the Candle of Joy. Come and be uplifted by the music of the season; by warm fellowship and, above all, the presence of God. Following worship, spend a few minutes with friends old and new over a cup of coffee. Come and find Joy in the things that really matter; our relationships with one another and with the source of our being, our Creator God. Sunday next, December 4, will be the second Sunday in Advent; so, on it we will light the candle of Peace, to join with that of Hope, lit last Sunday.
Peace: can there be peace in our world? One sure thing is, if there is not peace in our own souls, there is little likelihood of peace ‘out there.' Worship is a time to cultivate peace in our own souls, as well as a time for reflection and the reorientation of our lives. The more frenzied our lives become, the more we need to make time and space for quiet and peace. There is no better way to accomplish this than by sharing in the celebration of Holy Communion; that great symbol of our peace with God won for us by our Lord’s coming into our world. Prepare the way for the Lord! Join us for worship on Sunday, and, afterward share the joy of fellowship with fellow pilgrims. |
Rev Jim SinclairPastor Jim is the minister for First United Baptist Church Archives
October 2020
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