Dear Friends, Advent 2024
Greetings.
Advent’s message of hope and anticipation comes to us fresh each year – as we catch something of the wonder of the God who is so committed to the world that he became one of us, one with us, one for us. How astonishing and breath-taking is that! Save us from any dullness which feels like a grind through these days of a light shining in the darkness. The Advent hope of the light crashing into the darkness is a powerful one in these times, where so many of us are prone to despair. It is the hope that God has not given up on us and will not give up on us – that the Christ who came to Palestine over 2000 years ago comes to this generation with hope and will (one day) return in glory so that love wins. Extraordinary hope indeed, but one which we declare with confidence as we have caught something of its truth in our experience. God has drawn close to us – even in the most chilling and threatening of times.
So, our advent theme is prompted by the encouragement from the Methodist Church to “hush the noise . . . and hear the angels sing”. We shall be using the materials for this theme during Advent in the services and we are encouraged to take part in the Advent studies which will be on zoom.
We live with a sense of hope in these challenging times. You remain in my prayers and thoughts in the coming weeks – and I look forward to sharing in worship with you during this time.
Peace be the journey – through Advent to Christmas and beyond to Epiphany and Candlemas!
Andrew