December 2, 2023

Dear Road Church Friends,

The Season of Advent begins this Sunday! It’s purpose is to refresh the spirit of Christmas in our hearts. Each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas is dedicated to one of the Advent Virtues: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Advent focuses our minds on the Christmas spirit so its meaning is not lost in the tinsel and glitter, and hustle and bustle of its secular celebrations.

Nothing does this better than the Nativity stories, one starring a band of local shepherds serenaded by angels. The other starring Wise men bringing expensive gifts from the east, guided by a star to Betlehem. Thus, Heaven and Nature cooperate to guide the whole spectrum of humanity to the love of God personified; wrapped in a blanket, lying in a manger. The gospel is about the love of God from beginning to end. The stories of Jesus’ Nativity and Passion together declare the love of God for the world. Both are about the bright light of God’s love breaking through the darkness of hard hearted cruelty and hate, giving humanity a new and living hope. “Darkness can’t drive out darkness, only love can do that.”

This is also Communion Sunday when we gather around the Lord’s Table where the Hope of Christmas is celebrated and shared.

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 11:28-30       SERMON: Holy Hospitality

Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest. For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light.

SAVIOR, AT THY BIRTH

by Algernon C. Swinburne 

Thou whose birth on earth

Angels sang to men

While Thy stars made mirth,

Savior at Thy birth

This day born again.

As this night was bright

With Thy cradle ray,

Very light of light,

Turn the wild world’s night

To Thy perfect day.

Advent Blessings to you all,

Pastor Norm

This Service on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/beX6OkcCU1I?si=8uH3kg102K2BbZm0