Advent Reflection
Dear Friends in Christ,
Welcome to the special Advent Edition of the Messenger! We in the church office realized that there is so much activity during the month of December, that we needed an additional newsletter to share this information with you.
During Advent our theme is “Follow the Star.” Keep your eyes peeled throughout month of December as stars pop up around Richmond, inside our Sanctuary, and on our front lawn! We will follow the star, starting on November 27th, as we light the HOPE candle on the Advent wreath, and welcome Rev. Debby Ingram to the pulpit. On December 4 we light the PEACE candle. December 11 we will light the JOY candle, paint a silk wall hanging with stars, and have the Heifer Living Gift Market. December 18’s theme is LOVE, and the choir will share Christmas Music. We will have 2 Christmas Eve Services on December 24, and a special Christmas Day Carol Hymn sing!
This year I will be offering three Wednesday Advent Quiet Services from 7:00-7:45 PM. On December 7 & 14th the services will be very simple with candle light, simple prayers and music playing over our sound system. On December 21, we will have a special Longest Night Service with Jen Greenwood accompanying on piano.
As the holidays come around, we often gather together with family and friends to share a meal. A few years ago at one holiday gathering, something shared this Advent Diet with me. Now I’d like to suggest the following spiritual dietary practice as a way of preparing for the coming of the Christ child.
Advent Diet
Fast from fear, Feast on trust
Fast from grief, Feast on joy
Fast from judging others, Feast on Christ dwelling in them
Fast from an emphasis on judging others, Feast on unity as God’s children
Fast from thoughts of illness, Feast on Christ’s healing power
Fast from anger, Feast on patience
Fast from worry, Feast on God’s guiding presence
Fast from complaining, Feast on appreciation
Fast from negatives, Feast on positives
Fast from unrelenting pressure, Feast on resting in God
Fast from hostility, Feast on peace
Fast from bitterness, Feast on forgiveness
Fast from anxiety, Feast on hope
Fast from yourself, Feast on God
Wishing you an Advent season filled with Peace, Hope, Joy and Love,
Katelyn
