The Fourth Week of Advent Come, Lord Jesus, Come! Come and visit your people. We await with earnest expectation of your coming. Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,’ which means, ‘God is with us’ Matthew 1:23 God is with us” — God has drawn near to …
The Third Week of Advent Come, Lord Jesus, Come! Come and visit your people. We await with earnest expectation of your coming. My soul proclaims your greatness, O God, and my spirit rejoices in you my Savior. Luke 1:46b-47 There is a profound difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is circumstantial. It’s easy to …
The Second Week of Advent Come, Lord Jesus, Come! Come and visit your people. We await with earnest expectation of your coming. “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” Luke 1:45 (NRSV) Mary was indeed blessed to be the mother of …
The First Week of Advent Come, Lord Jesus, Come! Come and visit your people. We await with earnest expectation of your coming. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light — on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2) Advent, we begin by lighting one …
Advent Candles and Meaning The first candle, which is purple, symbolizes hope. It is sometimes called the “Prophecy Candle” in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. It represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah. The second candle, also purple, represents faith. It is called the “Bethlehem …
Advent Invitation from the Bishop As we come joyfully into this Holy Season, we call Advent. I am conflicted in my spirit. On one hand, we wait patiently for the coming of the Lord. Yet, on the other hand, we are waiting expecting changes to happen all around us. I am conflicted because I want …
Second Sunday of Advent Reflection By Rev. Dr. Trevor D. Alexander “Make ready the way…clear a straight path.” (Mark 1:2) “Zechariah proclaim: And you, little child, will be called a prophet of God Most High, you will go ahead of the Lord, to prepare the way before Him….” Luke 3:1-6 During this time of the …
2016 Advent Prayer 1st Sunday, November 27, 2016 ONE PURPLE CANDLE We light this candle because, like God’s people centuries ago, we look forward with hope to the coming of Christ. Opening prayer Lord God, Father of all, in your Son Jesus Christ you invite everyone and all to know and love you and to …
I greet you people of God, in the name of our most beloved Jesus, our Lord. The Advent season is upon us once again. It is my privilege to address you at the onset of this very important season in the life of the Church. It is OUR season that prepares us for the great …
2017 Advent Reflection Week Four “For the Lord will not reject [us] forever. Even if He causes suffering, He will show compassion according to His abundant, faithful love. For He does not enjoy bringing affliction or suffering on mankind.” —Lamentations 3:31-33 “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. …
