WORSHIP

            The season of Advent is upon us. It marks the beginning of the church year. It is a time of joy and hope. We remember again that God has come to dwell with us in the person of Jesus. We read again the story of the shepherds and the angels, of the innkeeper and the wise men, of Mary and Joseph and the child whose blood will save us, whose wounds will heal us, and through whom God's kingdom will come. We rejoice because God has remembered his promise to redeem all the world and has come in the flesh to make good on that promise.

 

            Yet as we all gear up for another holiday season, it's hard not to wonder where that promise of redemption has wandered off to. We know that God came to us in Jesus but we long for his second coming, when he will once again be Emmanuel, God with us, and will finally put an end to suffering once and for all time. Advent is a time of hope and of joy. Yet, it is also a time of yearning and longing for an end to darkness and death.

 

            On Sunday December 21st we will be holding our annual Longest Night service at Cross of Christ. The service is in stark contrast to the mirth and joy of the holiday season. As the nights become longer and the darkness grows, the service creates a space to acknowledge the darkness in our own lives. It is a time to express the feelings of loss, pain and hopelessness that can be felt acutely this time of year but often have no outlet. Ultimately though, it is a service of hope. We are reminded that Jesus Christ, the light of the world, shines in our deep darkness and is not overcome. We remember that God has not abandoned us, and that though we struggle we need not despair, that amid our pain God is bringing healing and new life.

 

            So as we make our way through Advent, I invite you to delve deeply into the meaning of this season. Take time to experience once again the joy and hope found in the birth of our Savior. Take time also to reflect, to grieve, to acknowledge the lingering darkness still present in this world. In all this though remember that God is with us in our darkness, that in Jesus we have the light that is not overcome. Rejoice, that one day our longing for wholeness will be no more and that all of creation will be redeemed and renewed.

 

As Ever in Christ,

 

Pastor CJ