Dear friends,
November 29 is the first Sunday of Advent. “Advent” is from the Latin word adventus, which simply means "coming" or "arrival." We have four weeks to prepare for the arrival of the Christ child on Christmas Day!
Instead of the regular Sunday School at Home lesson, this is an invitation to gather on ZOOM on Nov. 29 at 6:30PM when we’ll be lighting our first Advent candle, the candle of hope. We’ll hear some of the season’s readings, sing as well as ZOOM will allow, and talk about how we will get the lights of hope, peace, joy and love shining brightly in our homes and in our hearts. See the attachment for a simple resource to help you get your heart ready.
When we gather, you mostly just need to bring yourself. But I hope you’ll also bring your Yule log or an Advent wreath or even just one simple candle and some matches to help you share the light. If you have a Yule log and haven’t decorated it yet, consider joining Sarah Ackers while she decorates hers on ZOOM, Saturday, Nov. 28, at 11AM. Look for the link in the Highlights.
Things aren’t quite happening as we had imagined, but that’s precisely when we are called to light a candle of hope. Hope isn’t simply wishing. Hope invites our expectation, insists on our participation, and demands we stay alert! It’s more like a longing and knowing that something better and remarkable will be birthed soon.
Hope…to see you on ZOOM on Sunday evening at 6:30.
Until then, blessings on your Thanksgiving holiday—may it have a special beauty in its simplicity.
--Pastor Karyn
