Dear St. Andrew’s UM Church Family,
As the calendar turns to December, we feel it—the days are shorter, the nights stretch longer, and the darkness seems to linger. This season reminds us how much we depend on light, both for physical warmth and spiritual hope. Advent arrives in the heart of this darkness, offering us a chance to reflect on the power of light to transform even the darkest night.
Advent isn’t just a countdown to Christmas; it’s an invitation. It calls us to prepare our hearts, to watch, and to wait. It’s a journey through hope, peace, joy, and love—each week bringing us closer to the light of Christ that breaks into our world on Christmas Eve. This year, we’ll be reflecting on these themes in our worship series, “The Light of the World.” Together, we’ll explore how Jesus, as the Light of the World, brings hope to the weary, peace to the restless, joy to the sorrowful, and love to the lonely.
This series comes at a time when many of us need light more than ever. Perhaps the darkness feels overwhelming in your life right now. Maybe you’re navigating uncertainty, loss, or simply the heaviness of the world around us. Advent reminds us that the light is coming—and it will not be overcome by the darkness.
Each Sunday, we’ll light another candle, symbolizing the growing light of Christ as we move closer to Christmas. I encourage you to pause during this season, reflect on the ways light has broken into your life, and open yourself to the ways Christ’s light might guide you forward.
This Advent, let’s embrace the journey from darkness to light, trusting in the promise that the Light of the World is coming—and with Him, the hope, peace, joy, and love we long for.
May the light of Christ shine brightly in your life, even on the darkest nights.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Brian
Rev. Dr. Michael Stine | sapastor@ptd.net | (570) 742-2000
Be sure to check out this article in our full newsletter from December 2024 - Click Here!
