We have watched; we have waited
In hope we lit the first candle.
With love we lit the second candle.
In joy we lit the third candle.
For peace we lit the fourth candle.
Now our redemption draws near!
We remember God with us!
And so the Christ candle bursts into flame!
​
Mark’s sermon for Christmas Day has been recorded, and you can view it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzBYs69gz18

Text: Luke 1: 39-56
  
Life is seldom a smooth journey. For most of us it is punctuated with a series of high and lows, and at times we are tossed about on an emotionally demanding rollercoaster ride of ups and downs. The story of Mary and Jesus certainly bears this out. Today’s passage captures the spirit-filled and heartfelt joy of Mary and Elizabeth regarding their pregnancies. This feeling of deep joy is wound through the whole incarnation narrative of scripture.
 
Today’s sermon explores where this joy fits in the ups and downs of the pregnancy and birth story, why there was such joy and how that joy impacted Mary and Elizabeth.

Watch the recorded sermon here: https://youtu.be/R0pJdwYshyo​

Today we light the fourth candle of Advent, the Candle of Joy.
The apostle writes: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.”
(Philippians 4:4)
Spiritual joy does not ignore suffering; rather, it springs from the nearness of God, who meets us in every circumstance.
We rejoice because God came to us in the baby Jesus.
Mary and Elizabeth rejoiced to be included in your plan.
We too hear you call on our lives!
Mary and Elizabeth responded with heartfelt joyful gratitude.
May we know that deep joy in our worship today.

Text: John 1:1-14

The Joy of Christmas is great and we need to know that God comes to us in a celebratory way in the birth of Jesus. But the Christmas message is primarily about the love of God, which comes to us both in times of Joy and times of sadness.
 
Watch the recorded sermon here: https://youtu.be/uN-Mlk1wpI4

Today we light the Candle of Love.
We remember the angel’s words to Mary: “Do not be afraid… for you have found favour with God.” (Luke 1:30)
God’s perfect love enters the world through the vulnerability of a child, inviting us into lives shaped by grace. God’s love is steadfast and eternal.
We give thanks for the love made known in Jesus Christ.
God finds us in even the most remote and dark places..
As God has loved us, so we will love.
Let love be our offering and our witness.
Come, Lord Jesus, enfold us in your love.
God of love, as we draw near to Christmas, fill our hearts with the love that casts out fear and draws us toward you and others. May this candle’s light remind us that your love has come to us in the birth of Jesus
Amen

Texts:
Matthew 2:1-7
Micah 5:1-5  
 
On the second Sunday of Advent we light the Candle of Peace.
The prophet proclaims: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace". (Isaiah 9:6)
Christ, the Prince of Peace, comes to guide our feet into the way of peace.
God’s peace is for all who long for wholeness.
Make us instruments of your peace.
Where there is hatred, bring love.
Where there is injury, bring healing.
Where there is fear, bring courage.
Christ, be our peace.
God of peace, calm our anxious hearts. As this candle reminds us of your presence, fill our lives and your world with your reconciling love. Help us to prepare the way for the peace of the Lord with compassion, justice, and mercy.
Amen.
 
Mark has recorded a Reflection on this theme, which you can watch here: https://youtu.be/fgYRPnUa46A