Singing a new song!

Advent 4

At Christmas we are told we have to “believe” in all sorts of things, including miracles and even biblical miracles.  Pastor Rob reflects that the most challenging miracle of all to believe in:  That God still loves the world and that God still loves you!  Pastor Rob reflects on how God puts a new song of faith, hope and joy in our hearts through the birth of Jesus Christ.

Includes a reference to Home Alone 🙂

The Bible passage may be found here:  Luke 1:56-79

Joy in all Seasons!

Advent 3
This week we hear about the joyful encounter between Mary and Elizabeth, both pregnant women.  Pastor Rob reflects on the joy of Christmas.  This joy changes as we age; but is not necessarily diminished.  This joy is also threatened by many things going on in our lives.  Pastor Rob proposed the Magnificat Test to determine how to discover the joy God intends for you in the birth of Jesus!
The Bible passage may be found here:  Luke 1:39-55
The image is from:  https://www.shcj.org/reflection-on-the-visitation-of-mary/

Like Dominos

December 8, 2019
Second Sunday of Advent

In Dominos, the cause and effect is clear; life is far less clear!  We don’t always see the impact of our actions.  In fact, it is impossible to see how the good (or bad) we do will impact future generations.  Pastor Rob reflects on the interaction between Mary and the angel Gabriel in Luke 1 as well as the story of the real St. Nicolas.  In each case, God issues a call to action.  Through their faithful obedience they impact countless others.  Our job is not to figure how we can make a difference, but to be faithful to God’s call on our lives.

What if we don't have our act together?

December 1, 2019
First Sunday of Advent 
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​Sometimes we believe the myth that God acts once we have our acts together; that once our life is picture perfect, there is room for God.

As the angel's visit to Zachariah shows in Luke 1, God doesn't wait for us to have a picture perfect life!  God acts in our lives here and now.  And God calls us to act before we've got it all right.

Pastor Rob also addresses how Advent prayer time, including around an Advent wreath, can help us sense how God is acting in our lives and calling us to act.