Pastoral Ponderings - November 27, 2025

Sunday is the first Sunday in the liturgical season of Advent, the four Sundays before Christmas.  Advent is a season of waiting and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus.  This year during Advent I am presenting a sermon series called the Waiting Season.  The first Sunday we will Wait in Hope as we light the first Advent Candle. The second Sunday we will Wait in Peace as we light the second Advent Candle.  The third Sunday we will Wait in Joy as we light the third Advent Candle.  And the fourth Sunday we will Wait in Love as we light the fourth Advent Candle.  On Christmas Eve we will light the Christ Candle to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Advent bears witness to the reality that this season and time of year is busy, hectic, stressful, demanding, and at times overwhelming.  With everything from Sherry and Shortbreads to the Christmas Market to Bell Practice, and Choir Practice, and Advent Study Groups, and Clothing Bank, and Food Bank, and Bread Run, and Blue Christmas, and Christmas decorating, and Christmas shopping, and Christmas baking and Christmas Cards, and connecting with family and friends, it is a chaotic time.

So here is a pastoral reminder. In the midst of all the busyness, remember to take time to wait.  Take time to breathe.  Take time to stop and savour the season.  Take time to be renewed by the spirit of Advent and Christmas.  Take time to be touched by Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.

May you have a blessed Advent Season.

Dale