This Sunday we begin the season of Advent, really. I know, the church is already decorated, and the holiday music has been playing in the shops and on the radio. But Sunday we begin a new church year and light the first candle in the Advent Wreath and begin our countdown to the big day.
This time around, we will be looking at the way the Gospel of Luke begins the story of Jesus. Before we get to hear of the birth of Jesus we hear of Elizabeth, her husband Zechariah, and the birth of their son John. We get to learn about the angel Gabriel and the young woman Mary. Luke wants us to take in the full scope of human emotions: isolation, fear, disbelief, weariness, as well as connection, hope, trust and joy. The title for our worship series is “How does a weary world rejoice?” It is based on a poem written by Sarah Speed that calls us to find ways to be open and receptive in this season, even when we don’t feel quite ready or prepared.
The theme ties in with a line from the familiar Christmas hymn, “O Holy Night.”
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn’
Each week we will be finding a way to respond to the question based on what scripture offers. As we go through this season, my hope is that together we will find ways to create space for recognizing our weariness and misgivings while also celebrating God’s closeness and blessing to us right where we are.
Together this season we will be looking for ways to rejoice and live with hope even as we are mindful of the hurt and brokenness in the world.
Grace and peace,
Steve Larsen