December 5, 2020

 Dear Road Church Friends,

Advent Blessings to you all.

This Sunday we will begin our service by lighting the Advent Candle of PEACE.

The Second week of Advent is dedicated to the biblical idea of PEACE. It is one of the most important words in the Bible. Paul begins all of his letters with the salutation, “Grace and Peace.” Grace is God’s loving kindness. Shalom, the Hebrew word for Peace, has a much wider range of meaning than the absence of conflict. Shalom includes everything that makes for the good life. Shalom is the totality of well-being, harmony, health, happiness and material prosperity. We affirm all of these things, not just for ourselves, but for the whole world, when we light the Advent Candle of PEACE.

The title of my Sunday message is, “Peace: The Impossible Christmas Dream?” The Scripture readings are Jeremiah 29:4-7, 11-14; Isaiah 2:2-4; and Isaiah 11:6-9. These passages speak of nations learning war no more, and wolves and sheep living together. Are these impossible dreams? Let’s learn what we are praying for when we pray for peace on earth.

 Shalom to all,

 Pastor Norm

The YouTube service for Dec. 6, 2020: https://youtu.be/w8gFaKtdLtE

                     Are you looking for more Advent Activities?

 Here are some ideas if you want to make Advent a daily practice this year.

1)   Make a list of things you are thankful for.

2)   Make an apology.

3)   Write a letter, send a card, or call someone.

4)   Make a list of things you'd like to know more about.

5)   Give money to an organization that is doing good in the world.

6)   Educate yourself about an issue of justice.

7)   Make a written list of good things that happened recently.

8)   Make a batch of Christmas goodies.

9)   Add your own ideas to this list.