Reading:
Luke 2: 1-14  

Christians, awake, salute the happy morn,
whereon the Saviour of the world was born;
rise to adore the mystery of love,
which hosts of angels chanted from above;
with them the joyful tidings were begun
of God incarnate and the Virgin’s son.
 
The Christmas Message – Finding Jesus – can be watched here: 
​https://youtu.be/YgsM_MNQcJ0

Bible readings:
Psalm 96:1-7, 11-13
Luke 1:26-38
 
Today the Advent candles of hope, peace, joy and love are all lit.
The first Advent candle reminds us of our confident hope for a better world through the coming of Jesus.
The second Advent candle reminds us that God’s dreams for peace in our world can come true, and that we can be part of making that happen.
The third Advent candle reminds us of the joy of Jesus’ birth, announced by angels to ordinary people, and that we can be part of bringing God’s gift of joy to our world.
The fourth Advent candle stands for love:
Love revealed in Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us, and through all who live the way of Jesus.
Come, light of the world.
Shine your love in our hearts.
Amen.
 
Watch the recording of today’s sermon - Known by God and completely free
Here: https://youtu.be/euh4TLmNqco

From Psalm 126:
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
    we were like those who dreamed.
Our mouths were filled with laughter,
    our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
    “The Lord has done great things for them.”
The Lord has done great things for us,
    and we are filled with joy.
Restore our fortunes, Lord,
    like streams in the Negev.
Those who sow with tears
    will reap with songs of joy.
Those who go out weeping,
    carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
    carrying sheaves with them.
Come, Lord, and bring your joy to lift our spirits at this Christmas time.

​Today is the third Sunday in Advent, with the theme of Joy, and in the reading from 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul issues an inspiring and challenging command to rejoice. And so we reflect on some of the simple pleasures for which we are grateful.

Psalm 85: 10-13
Love and faithfulness meet together;
    righteousness and peace kiss each other.
Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,
    and righteousness looks down from heaven.
The Lord will indeed give what is good,
    and our land will yield its harvest.
Righteousness goes before him
    and prepares the way for his steps.
 
Reflecting on Colossians 1:15-23, Hamish talks about the God who comes to reconcile.
Watch the recording here: https://youtu.be/TPtut66GtOM