Greetings on this wintery day!

Yesterday we entered into Advent. We lit the candle of hope. We sang sacred songs of the coming of Jesus. We focused on the new beginning offered by God in the Word made flesh and moving into the neighourhood.

We began Advent in John chapter 1:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

This is the amazing message of Christmas.  It is good, good news.

As part of our service, we reflected on Scripture and individually chose words that will journey with us this season. If you chose a word yesterday, you are invited to trust that God has a purpose for that word for you. Place it somewhere you can see it. Use the word as a guide. Allow the word to bring focus, hope, motivation and reflection.   Engage with the word. Pray about it. Treasure it. Let God grow an understanding of that word in you.

If you would like to begin Advent with a word for the journey, the verses we reflected on are below. Spend some timing reading the verses, asking God to reveal to you a word, phrase or invitation to hold this season.

I encourage each of us to actively participate in Advent.  Read again the biblical narrative. Be attentive to Emmanuel, God with us.  Be still.  Be open to God’s Word to you.

Blessings of God’s Hope in this coming week,

Catherine

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, 
Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.  On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Matthew 2:10-11

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2:13-14

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.  But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.

Luke 1:29-30

 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:5

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12