Today is the Fourth Sunday in Advent! At this time of waiting for the Birthday of Jesus and preparing, or getting ready for, Christmas, it is reinforcing and encouraging to hear that our theme and the candle for the day is Love. At this time of year, we have the good news of the birth of Jesus, but the birth of Jesus is not, in fact, the subject of today’s gospel reading.
The reading of Christmas story last Christmas was from Luke’s gospel, but this year the reading is from Matthew’s gospel. Luke tells the Christmas story from Mary’s position, but Matthew tells the story more from Joseph’s perspective. When preparing the sermon for today I was interested in the thinking that was promoted by these clear differences in perspective.

I ask you to consider the following Advent Reflections and prayers for Week 4.

The season of Advent continues. Over the last three weeks we lit 3 candles symbolising, hope, peace and joy.

Today we are lighting the candle of love. No other word so completely describes what we know of our God.

For God so loved the world that a child was given…God’s love in human form. We wait in hope and peace, and with joy, celebrating God’s precious gift.

We light the candle of love to proclaim that God’s love is revealed in the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and we are challenged to proclaim and reveal that same love as we live out our faith here in Australia.

Let us pray,
Loving God,
We give thanks for your love that exceeds our human understanding, and are reminded once more of the birth of your enduring love this Christmas. Help us to have a greater revelation of your love today, so that our lives may reflect your great love to those around us.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.

Yours in Christ,
Debra

Advent 3 Joy Light and Presence

At this time there are some people to whom I would like to extend my special thanks for their service to the Lord in our community. These include the following:
Daphne -preparing and leading play
Allison – task of coordinating costumes
Michelle- organising and teaching the children
Congregation-Great participation in the play
Reza & Patty – tidying the op shop.

I would also like to extend my congratulations and thanks to Kathy for her successful application for a grant of over $4,000 to paint the ceiling above the front entrance to our church, and surrounding area.

As I said in a previous bulletin article, our collection is focussing upon assisting our struggling farmers in Longreach through the drought relief collection at Longreach Uniting Church, through their minister, Rev. Jenny Coombes. This money stays local community as it will be used to buy vouchers for local businesses to give to the farmers. A personal personal note written with each donation should hopefully warm the hearts of these farmers at Christmas.

Today is the Third Sunday in Advent! This time of waiting for the Birthday of Jesus is, as we have discussed, also a time of preparation, or getting ready for, Christmas.
At Advent, it is important to hear from a variety of people of great faith, about God’s promises to send the world a Saviour- who would show the way to God and teach us about God’s love and forgiveness. Today we have the blessing of listening to the sermon from Dave Bartsch, YWAM Gold Coast Base Leader.

Today is the third Sunday in Advent. We hear today of Mary’s song of praise that gives glory to God.

Mary’s humble words rejoiced at God’s blessing on her and his salvation plan for the whole world

A world where eyes will see, and ears will hear; where everyone will want to dance and sing for joy and in God’s presence

Like Mary, we watch and wait for these signs of God’s kingdom, to break into our lives

We rejoice in the coming of the King and we wait in hope and peace.

God prepares our hearts for the coming of Jesus. So, we light the candle of joy.

God of grace and truth, may our spirits rejoice as we look towards the birth of Christ, our Saviour. As we reflect on your mercy and grace, let us see your glory and experience your joy. Amen.

Yours in Christ
Debra