God’s Beloved & Members of St. John,
Grace and peace to you all. I hope you all had a blessed thanksgiving and that you were able to carve out some time to turn to God in prayer and thanksgiving, however that might look for you. Now we turn our attention to advent, to waiting, and watching for the birth of Christ.
Advent is the start of the Church Year, and the word Advent, comes from Latin, and it means “to come.” Advent is a time to wait prayerfully while we remember God’s promises for creation, and to the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Advent allows us to slow down and notice how God is at work in the darkness. Because even in the waiting and preparing for this special night, we know that Christ is already here, and that Christ will come again.
And to cultivate that space, for the hope of Christ coming again, I will be holding a Blue Christmas Service. As this is a time to come together even as we mourn, in hope. I have prayerfully cultivated this service for those who have lost loved ones, for those who find the holidays to be a lonely time, and for those who would like to spend more time in prayer. This service will have candle lighting, music, prayers, and a sermon. It will be on Monday, December 12th at 6:30 p.m.
May God meet you in the waiting, preparing, and watching on these long and Holy December nights. May God provide you with peace and joy during this season. And may the beauty of God shine through your being, to all whom you meet.
As always, if you ever need any one to talk to, I am here for you. Please feel free to call or text me (608)-345-9616 or send me an email pastor.maggie.westaby@gmail.com. Or if you would simply like to meet up for coffee, tea, or a walk, I would love to share that time with you.
