Advent is upon us!
This is the four-week period that prepares us for Jesus’s birth at Christmas, while also pointing toward the hope he represents. Each Sunday of Advent traditionally highlights an important theme—hope, peace, joy, and love—to focus our reflection, prayer, and expectant celebration.
The deacons invite us to join in the community spirit of preparation and anticipation by readying the church tomorrow morning (Saturday) at 10:00 a.m. Even people from outside the church talk about how special it is to go by and see everything lit and decorated this time of year.
This Sunday we’ll light the first Advent candle of hope, and hear the choir sing th anthem “Jesus Christ the Apple Tree” — two wonderful events to help us usher in this season.
The hymn has a wonderful line: “I’m weary with my former toil / Here I will sit and rest awhile: / Under the shadow I will be, / Of Jesus Christ the apple tree.” In the season of anticipation, what a beautiful image that we all might we all be waiting with hope under the protective and nourishing branches of Jesus Christ the apple tree.
Traveling together,
Sam