This is the season when we light the candles of Hope, Peace, Love and Joy. This year, perhaps more than most, we need a little joy. When spirits are battered and the heart is bruised, when life is wearying and hope is fragile, joy can seem hard to come by. But joy is a strong disposition. Joy is both a gift and a spirit that is pursued. It is an experience of grace and also the fruit of discipline. This Advent we will rehearse once again the story that is the source of joy to the world, as well as joy to us when we need it most.
Nov. 28 |
Rejoice in the Lord…Always? |
Rev. Melanie Hardison |
Dec. 5 |
“I’m coming to your house" |
Rev. Tom Are |
Dec. 12 |
Tidings of H̶a̶p̶p̶i̶n̶e̶s̶s̶ Joy |
Rev. Tom Are |
Dec. 19 |
Joy to the World |
Rev. Tom Are |
Dec. 24 |
Joy to Carry You Through |
Rev. Tom Are |
Dec. 26 |
Love Has Come: Now What? |
Rev. Sally Wright |
Love Has Come: Now What?
Rev. Sally Wright - Dec. 26, 2021
Rev. Sally Wright - Dec. 26, 2021
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All the gifts have been bought, wrapped and opened. What is there to do now? I wonder if we can take some time to settle in and delight in all that God has given us— a new baby who will change the world with his birth, life, death and resurrection. Our scripture reading is Luke 2:1-7.
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Joy to Carry You Through
Rev. Tom Are - Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2021
Rev. Tom Are - Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2021
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Our scripture reading is Philippians 2:5-11.
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Joy to the World
Rev. Tom Are - Dec. 19, 2021
Rev. Tom Are - Dec. 19, 2021
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The angel said, “I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people.” What’s the nature of this world encompassing joy? It’s complicated. For it is both at the same time a gift and a discipline, an experience of grace and an act of courage. Our scripture reading is Luke 2:8-20.
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Tidings of H̶a̶p̶p̶i̶n̶e̶s̶s̶ Joy
Rev. Tom Are - Dec. 12, 2021
Rev. Tom Are - Dec. 12, 2021
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Joy and happiness are alike, but not exactly the same. Happiness is often based on circumstances; but joy can be a courageous act of defiance in-spite of the circumstances. That’s why the season is not one of happiness, but of joy. Our scripture reading is Luke 3:1-18.
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“I’m coming to your house”
Rev. Tom Are - Dec. 5, 2021
Rev. Tom Are - Dec. 5, 2021
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Will you have visitors for the holidays? Elizabeth did. When Mary arrived, Elizabeth was so joyful she could barely contain herself. When her unborn child kicked, it was interpreted as a response of joy. When someone wants to visit you, it is a joyful circumstance. Christmas means God wants to visit you. Such news might cause you to jump for joy. Our scripture reading is Luke 1:39-45.
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Rejoice in the Lord…Always?
Rev. Melanie Hardison - Nov. 28, 2021
Rev. Melanie Hardison - Nov. 28, 2021
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Sometimes joy finds us; sometimes joy feels far away. The Apostle Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always.” Always? What about when times are hard? Paul believes that faith gives us reason to touch joy, even when we aren’t feeling it. Joy is something we can choose, and its presence can make all the difference. Our scripture reading is Philippians 4:4-7.
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