Advent 3 Joy : Luke 3:7-18
John is nothing if not surprising. He challenges the status quo, not by presenting something new but by calling people back to their story, the story passed on to them through faithful generations. The river is the Jordan, the river their ancestors crossed to enter the land. John calls them back to this river. He refers to the stones, which were the stones the priests set up as a memorial to that first crossing He calls them back to the vision that they would occupy the land as a witness, as a light, and as a blessing to all the families of the earth.
They recognize how far they have wandered from that vision, how crooked their path has become. They ask what they should do, and he gently, more gently than his speech until now would suggest, tells them practical, understandable actions they can take to straighten the path forward. John reminds them that much depends on their response. In what ways do we need to be called back to our story as followers of Jesus? What are the stories and symbols we need to remember? What practical actions are needed for our path forward?
Philippians 4:4-7 We are told to rejoice in God always! Ask God for what we need, thank God for what we have, do not be anxious. The peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts. This is the season of Joy, we are awaiting the celebration of the birth of a child, that was not born in a hospital, a home but in a stable. What a unique beginning for our saviour. In making our way to the celebration of the birth of Jesus, we will find joy, the joy of sharing our Spirit with those around us, in all the ways Jesus shared so may years ago with His followers. May you find the road to joy this Christmas.
Scriptures for Sunday December 22, Advent 4 – Love
Micah 5:2-5a Out of Bethlehem in Judea will come a leader.
Hebrews 10:5-10 Made holy through the sacrifice of Jesus’ body.
Luke 1: 39-45, (46-55) Mary Visits Elizabeth
Lay Leader: Kaireen Lay Reader Maria
Announcements:
The Prayer shawl group will meet on Sat. Dec. 21 at 3 – 4:30 pm. All knitters and crocheters are most welcome to join. If you need supplies they are available.
The Christmas Eve service will be on Tues. Dec. 24th at 7 pm, We invite all who enjoy the Christmas story and Carols to join us on this Holy Night.
There will be no service on December 29th, We will resume on January 5th in the New Year. Happy New Year to all.
Dec. 18 – International Migrants Day
Dec. 21 – Winter Solstice ( 4:21 pm, EST)
Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve
Dec. 25 – Christmas Day
Dec. 25 to January 2 – Hanukkah
Dec. 26 to January 1 – Kwanzaa
Dec, 26 to January 5 – Twelve Days of Christmas
January is Tamil Heritage Month.
- First United Church News – January 25 - January 25, 2025
- First United Church News – January 13 - January 13, 2025
- Happenings at Wawa First United Church – December 24 - December 24, 2024