Hi all.

We have just completed another wonderful Living Nativity at our church. When thousands enter into what is the ‘Kelowna tradition’ and experience the nativity, Bethlehem village, live mannequins and yum treats. 7000 people attended over the 12 shows. 2500 bibles were given. We were able to pray for 577 prayer requests on our prayer tree.

 

 

What a wonderful opportunity to invite our community into God’s story!

 ‘The thrill of hope’

I’m trying to be clever and think of something different to write about, a different advent angle.

Because everything I read says the same thing.

Over and over.

The same message.

It tells me to stop, to breathe, to wait to wonder, to look, to yearn, to anticipate.

That there is hope, there is light.

And the more I read the more I realize of course the message is loud.

It’s the clearest it has ever been.

It is the most wonderful time of the year!

So I will join the advent people because there is no place I’d rather be.

The candle lighters, the life declarers, the hope bringers.

Because I believe that God sent his only son as a babe and He made his home on earth and it all fell into place.

All of this – advent –  is about a bigger picture. This time. This waiting.

It’s about our eyes being opened spiritually, our ears hearing a new sound.

‘The weary world rejoices’

How many of us are weary in the waiting, the wondering and worrying?

Let us use this time of advent to focus on our dark and say Emmanuel – I cannot do this. Let us invite Him into the places where decay has spread beyond hidden messes in our heart.

Advent is not the ‘same old same old’.  Advent is a time of change.

Let us spend advent looking at the areas in our lives to be redeemed, recognizing what is holding us in its power.

Take a moment to pray…

‘Emmanuel. God with us. With me. What do you want to say to me?’

It could be tiny spark of wonder, the newest of realizations, or the wonder of transformation. He wants to answer you.

 ‘O come, O come Emmanuel’

Lord Jesus,

Master of both the light and the darkness,

send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.

We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.

We who are anxious over many things look forward to you coming among us.

We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.

We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.

We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.

To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!”

—Henri J.M. Nouwen.

‘Let every heart prepare Him room’

 Love, Michelle xo