On the fourth week of Advent, we light the final purple candle to mark the final week of prayer and penance as we wait for the birth of our Savior. This final candle, the “Angel’s Candle,” symbolizes peace. It reminds us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”
Love is the greatest of all the virtues on the Advent wreath and encompasses Jesus’ entire purpose for being on earth (1 Corinthians 13:13).
John 3:16-19 (NIV) 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.
Pastor shared another Christmas sermon on "The Pronouncement" of Joy and Peace to the Shepherds. He made the argument that we undervalue peace and overvalue other things. Pastor reminded us that we were created to have peace before the fall into sin. We gain peace by surrendering to God.
The Point: Peace is an undervalued product of trusting Jesus in, for and with everything. Just trust!
The Advent Wreath:
The third candle is pink and symbolizes joy. It is called the “Shepard’s Candle,” and is pink because rose is a liturgical color for joy. The third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday and is meant to remind us of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus, as well as the joy that the faithful have reached the midpoint of Advent.
The angel’s message to the shepherds is the joyful news that the Savior promised to Israel in its days of darkness is now a present reality: God is with us in the flesh. He is no longer a distant entity, known from afar, but truly close to us. The proclamation that “a savior has been born for you” is a message before that compels us to take a position.
Luke 2:8-14 (NIV) 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Our Sunday School teacher shared an interesting prophetic message regarding events that may occur in December 2019 and in 2020. The point was that we need to recognize that we shouldn’t ask whose side God is on, but rather we need to ask ourselves: “Whose side are we on?” We need to be on God’s side.
We enjoyed good praise and worship and our pastor shared a Christmas message on “Preparation”.
The Advent Wreath:
The second candle, also purple, represents faith. It is called the “Bethlehem Candle” as a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.
(Also known as the candle of Preparation, Waiting or Prophecy.)
Isaiah 40:3-5:
“A voice of one calling:
‘In the wilderness prepare
the way for the Lord;
make straight in the desert
a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be raised up,
every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
the rugged places a plain.
And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’”
The Advent Candle Wreath:
The first candle, which is purple, symbolizes hope. It is sometimes called the “Prophecy Candle” in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. It represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah.
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7:
“The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned. […]
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.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.”
My husband had a rough night with pain and when it was time to go to church this morning, he was sound asleep. It was pouring rain and we didn’t get to church service.
Mid-day the sun came out and I took the chance to go to my office to empty the dehumidifier water trough. I realized the water was flowing towards the other offices where our file boxes were lined up. My staff wasn’t available to help move boxes so I called our Pastor to see if I could get help from the youth in the church. Within ten minutes he showed up and spent the next hour helping me move the boxes. Now that is God’s love in action! I thank God for a caring, shepherd pastor!
I am mindful that this is the first day of Advent – We begin the season by preparing our hearts for the coming of the Savior.
I chose this song: Even So Come
A Verse for today: James 5:8 (ESV) You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
Lord, help me to focus on YOU this season; to stay calm knowing that You have all my issues under control. I love that I can trust You.
Last week I was away and focused on Thanksgiving. However it was the first Sunday of Advent when we need to be ALERT and PREPARING for the Coming of the Christ Child. I recently learned why the meaning of the four Sundays in Advent changes from year to year in a liturgical rotation. This year is “C” which would be: Hope, Joy, Love and Peace.
I don’t believe it is really important which order you give them as long as you take time to acknowledge the season and reason for Advent. We start with a time of waiting - not always patiently - but always with the Hope of the promise given in God’s Word. Although there is 400 years of silence between the prophets and the birth of Christ, those who stayed in God’s Word, (even before it was available in text), would pass the promises along to their children reminding them to be alert for the Promise of delivery through the miraculous birth of a son (Isaiah 42:1-9) because of His great love for us (Job 19:25-27 and John 3:16).
The candle of hope we light in this hour
Proclaims that the Lord is coming in power.
We wait for a future, now hidden from view,
When Christ in his glory will make all things new.
The candle of love tells what we are worth:
God loves us so much, God came to the earth!
An angel brought news of a child who would be
The one who would save us and set us all free.
I did not find this hymn in video but I found two items I decided to share.
First is a lovely song of Christmas Hope:
The second is a moving story of the importance of HOPE – it brought tears to my eyes.
Verses for Today Jeremiah 33:14-16 (NIV) 14 ‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. 15“ ‘In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land. 16In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which itc will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’
I love the Advent season as it helps me bring focus on the most important aspects of my life and purpose: share hope, joy, peace and love …. Because of the sacrifice of a child whose birth we celebrate at Christmas.
[As noted - I am sharing e a bit of advent messages during this beautiful season along with songs from our choir program.]
ADVENT WEEK THREE is a time of Preparation... a time to weigh the signs, consider the circumstances and prepare our hearts so that commitment can be made to the truth and not to deceiving spirits.
The four weeks of the Discerning Advent program with podcasts are shared and available online and through email at God in All Things.
Week Three :: Preparation The Annunciation has happened and slowly word begins to spread. You can almost see the whispers in the night spreading out beyond Bethlehem town. The rumours are true. The wisemen, the magi, the sheep and the goats, all hear of the coming of the messiah. Things have begun looking clearer. The signs foretold have begun to appear. The scriptures, the history of the people, foretell Jesus’ incarnation. Hope fills hearts. ....
This morning we had our church and Christian school program. It is lovely to see the joy and light of the season in the eyes of children!
This is a wonderful adaptation of a beautiful Christmas Hymn.
A Verse for Today: Isaiah 43:19 (NIV) 19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
I am not particularly prepared for this Christmas season as I have left cards, decorating and even gift buying to the last ten days now. Even as I push on with those preparations, I pray that I may do the more important thing of preparing my heart to celebrate the true gift of the season:- a Godly child born to bring Salvation to those who believe.
[As noted the first Sunday of December I am sharing e a bit of advent messages during this beautiful season along with songs from our choir program.]
ADVENT WEEK TWO is a time of Conception... a time to reflect that God left his throne on high and came to be born a man in a simple manger in a humble, little town.
The four weeks of the Discerning Advent program with podcasts are shared and available online and through email at God in All Things.
Week Two :: Annunciation
Mary’s kind of freedom, that is, not clinging, is a surrendering to God’s will. It exemplifies a true cooperation with the divine which leads to the incarnation of Jesus. By discovering this freedom within us, we can better cooperate with the divine through discernment. Putting aside our own expectations—though not dismissing our deep desires—will lead to a new incarnation in the form of a decision.
Our guest Pastor this morning also spoke of the Angel's visit to Mary. PastorB noted that, although the news to her was overwhelming, Mary accepted and submitted herself to God's plan. Then PastorB asked "What happened after the angel left?" Once the excitement of the moment is passed, how should we respond? We can follow the example of Mary to (1) continually remember the promise and the commitment we made; (2) visit and help someone else who may have more trouble (an elderly, pregnant Elizabeth); and (3) give Thanks and Praise to God for the blessings already received (Mary's Magnificat prayer).
This song is a duet and choir piece that we shared this morning.
I looked at a dozen or so versions online. I chose this one because of the lovely interpretive dance.
A Verse for Today: Luke 1:38 (NIV) 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
Even when the excitement of worship is over, I will carry your word and promises, and my commitment to trust you, in my heart. Thank you, my Lord, for all the blessings you have already given to me. Help me to share with others and to maintain my TRUST that you will see me through whatever plans that you have for me.
Happy December!
Welcome to a very special season. I plan to share a bit of the advent messages during this beautiful season along with songs from our choir program.
ADVENT WEEK ONE is a time of Waiting... a time to observe as we wait for God to touch our lives.
I was looking for Advent images and came across a wonderful program:
The four weeks of program with podcasts are shared and available online and through email at God in All Things.
Interestingly this week's message fits my current health situation to a "T" as I await additional tests to discern the proper treatment with the help of God's wisdom and peace.
Week One :: Darkness
Incarnation occurs all the time, even in our decisions. We are in a whirl of confusion and feel like we’re in darkness. Advent is a time of sitting with those raw feelings and emotions because discernment begins with observation
This song was a solo from our Christmas program.
I had never heard it before but boy did it bring tears to my eyes.
A Verse for Today: Luke 1:17 (NIV) 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
Thank you, my Lord, for leading me to words of wisdom. Help me spend time quietly preparing and listening more for your direction and Words of wisdom in my life.
On the Fourth week of Advent we light again the candles of Hope, Peace, and Joy. Then we add the candle of LOVE. We seek God's forgiveness, His mercy and grace...and through His Love, He gives us a child who will be our Sacrifice and Redeem us from our sin.
A Verse for Today - After searching through some Christmas and Love verses I realized that the best "love" verse has to be: John 3:16 (NIV) 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
An Advent Prayer:
Father, you show the world the splendor of your glory in the coming of Christ, born of the Virgin. Give to us true faith and love to celebrate the mystery of god made man.
Today is the second Sunday in Advent -
In a world where we rush and worry and push to get ahead...I hope we learn to seek peace. And the only true Peace we can find is in resting our trust in God's Promises.
We light the second candle to symbolize the prophesies of Christ and the Peace that comes only through accepting Jesus as our Savior and accepting the gift of our position through Him as children of the King, with an inheritance of eternal life.
This morning we welcomed the third week of Advent with the "Shepherds Candle", the candle of Praise.
Sometimes in this season we get lost in thoughts of gifts and parties when really Christmas should be a time to remember and give praise for God's greatest gift: the birth of a Saviour to redeem us from our sins.
This candle reminds us of the importance of praising God for the
wondrous things He has done for us in our lives.
I tend to think of praise songs as the lively songs and worship songs as the soft songs. Here is a worshipful praise song that I think fits for the Advent message today.
Verses for Today:
Luke 2: 8-15
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said
to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has
happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
We enjoyed the children's program this morning. I pray that we might enjoy the true gift of Christmas with the enthusiasm of a child.
It is hard for me to accept that another year is quickly winding down. We are now in the Season of Christmas. May it have more meaning than shopping, rushing and good cheer.
Advent Week One - The week of Prophesy and Hope awaiting the coming of the Savior.
A Verse for Today:
Isaiah 7 : 14
All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means `God is with us').
A Prayer for this first week of advent: O Emmanuel,
Jesus Christ, desire of every nation, Savior of all peoples, come and dwell among us.
The Advent Wreath:
