Dear AGAC friends,
Each week during Advent, we have watched our world slowly being brightened with the lighting of each candle. On this last Sunday of Advent, we are lighting the last candle on our Advent wreath that we have patiently been waiting to light, the candle of love. As we look at these four candles, brightly lit, we are invited to reflect on how this light takes away some of the darkness of our world as we welcome the bright Light of the World on Christmas.
On Christmas Day, we are lighting the Christ Candle. It symbolizes that Christ is the reason for the hope, the peace, the joy, and the love that we have. Jesus is the reason for the season. The white also symbolizes Christ’s purity, showing Christ’s blamelessness. Christ connects all the Advent candles. It is only through Him that we can have real hope, real peace, real joy, and real love. Christ steps down into darkness to light the world (John 8:12). Because of Him, we can be a light unto others, showing them the true meaning of Christmas.
This Sunday: The festival of 9 Lessons and Carols
At Holy Cross, we will have a service with traditional readings and carols, with congregational singing. Anne Mullen will play the organ and piano for us for the service. We will have no Eucharist. Come and enjoy!
Yukiko’s leave
I will be on leave from 29th Dec to 2nd Jan. Les will be taking a service on 29th Dec at Holy Cross. I will be on leave again from 14th Jan to 2 Feb as I am going to Japan. During my absence, Cheen is taking a service at Holy Cross on 19th Jan and 2nd of Feb (also at St. Michael’s on 2nd Feb), and Les will take a service on 26th Jan.
Finally…
Travel safe if you’re heading away, and may the blessings of this Christmas be with you and your loved ones! (Remember, Christmas isn’t just a day; it’s an entire season!) The wildness and the warmth of God, and the Shalom of God, be yours now and always,
Ngā manaakitanga.
Yukiko
