Whispers of God's Love

Whispers:

Advent Message 2023

In anticipation of Christmas 2023, a moment of profound spiritual reflection and preparation unfolds within the Christian Church calendar. For many of us, it is marked by decorating our homes and churches with glittering lights and garlands, the joy of cherished traditions and carols that herald the birth of a child in Bethlehem.

This awesome season is called Advent. It is a season of the four-week period before Christmas that joyfully celebrates the anticipation and coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

There are so many rich and meaningful traditions behind the season of Advent locally and as well as other parts of the globe.

At HCSM church, we prepare the sanctuary and Sunday liturgy in order to help us in our spiritual preparations during this period. The sanctuary is decorated with visuals of the season and the liturgical color is purple setting the mood of penance in preparing our minds and hearts for the coming of Christ, our Savior into our lives.

The ‘advent wreath,’ is one of the central symbols of the season. The wreath, which originated in Germany in the 16th century, is usually made of evergreen branches, features four candles (one for each week). The candles represent the themes of hope, love, joy, and peace.

During this Advent season, may we have time to slow down and be able to say ‘no’ to the things that distract us from God’s presence and grace and say ‘yes’ to things that allow our hearts and minds to accept the gifts God has given us and work toward his ways of love and life in our relationship with ourselves, others and the world.

Blessings to you all!

Rev. Jureck+