Today marks the beginning of the season of Advent. It is the beginning of the church year, which cycles through the gospel message every twelve months. Advent means “coming”. This season encourages us to re-live the anticipation of God’s ancient people Israel as they waited for the promised Messiah.
By the time of Jesus’ birth, it had been some 400 years since the last of the Old Testament prophets. During all that time, there had been no new word from the God who had spoken to Israel at regular intervals throughout the previous millennium. Yet, even after waiting for such a long time, the faithful had not given up. Luke tells us that there still were those who were “waiting for the consolation of Israel” (Luke 2:25) and for “the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38). They were confident that God would act to fulfil his promises, and they were not disappointed.
It is exciting and encouraging to place ourselves in their shoes as the first light of God’s redemptive activity in Jesus Christ began to dawn.
Some news I want to mention is that Rev Jim Le Huray has asked me if he could step back from regular preaching duties. We will miss his warm pastoral sermons, but in other respects his role on Sundays and in pastoral visiting through the week will be unchanged.
Jim has graciously said he is still available to preach when I’m on holidays!
In brief:
- The Robinsons’ farewell is next Sunday, for morning tea after 9.30 am service (which is also the Christmas Pageant). Please come along and bring a plate for a special morning tea to thank Marty and Emma for all they have done here. (They are still with us until Christmas).
- Please get involved in our Christmas letterbox drop if you can. Flyers and maps are in the porch. NB for most zones you need more than one bundle of 100.