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" A Visit to HOPE "

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Well, as we look back a few days we realize that Thanksgiving of 2022 has come and gone. Of all the people I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with, it appears, for them, that the gatherings no matter the size was a good one. Ample food (some might say to much) plenty of moments of laughter, and perhaps a tear or two for those who were unable to attend the family gathering for any number of reasons include the reality of those who have pass on. But, stripping away all those layers, perhaps one is able to embrace the Apostle Paul’s closing words to the newly formed church in Thessalonica who has been facing serious persecution as they came together for worship on the Lord’s Day. 1Th 5:16-18 ESV Rejoice always, (17) pray without ceasing, (18) give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. These words, especially verse 18, are generally followed with “notice it says IN all things not for FOR all things.” I trust that no matter what might be happening in your life, an honest appraisal will provide ample reasons for giving thanks for 2022 and for what might come in 2023. (Pure speculation) one thing is for sure, that if you know Jesus, you can “Climb every mountain, ford every stream, follow every rainbow” (God’s Promises) because “you will never walk alone.” (Did you break out in song?) 2022 is fast approaching the final days for this year. Today (11/27) is day #331 of the Year of the Lord, 2022 and is the first Sunday in Advent. For those churches that observe Advent usually have an Advent Wreath accompanied by 5 candles. We use 3 purple/lavender candles, one pink candle and in the center of the wreath a white candle. Each candle represents some aspect of the birth and life of Christ. You can find different arrangements but we use for the candles, Hope, Peace, Joy, Love and the Christ Candle. In an article written by Lucy Crichton on the web wrote “It is thought that the concept of an advent wreath was begun, as the story goes, in 1839. Johann Hinrich Wichern (1808-81), a pastor in Germany, built a wreath out of an old cartwheel to help the children in his mission school count the days until Christmas. He added small candles to be lit every weekday and Saturday during Advent, and on Sundays, a large white candle was lit. Although it wasn’t widely popular until the 19th century, German immigrants then brought the tradition with them to America in the 20th century.” The evergreens used in today’s wreaths represent everlasting life; holly leaves and berries represent the crown of thorns and blood; and pine cones symbolize the resurrection. Today, the colors of the candles vary. Violet (purple) is popular for Sundays one, two and four, with rose/pink for the third (“Gaudete”, or joyful) Sunday, when the half-way point to Christmas has been passed” Whatever the colors, the first candle represents hope, and the prophets of the Old Testament; the second candle represents peace, the third candle signifies joy, and the fourth represents love. The center candle represents Christ and traditionally is lit at the Christmas Eve Program held in many churches. The green color represents HOPE which we in Christ, the newness of spring and eternal life. As to the colors of the candles, purple and signifies royalty. The 1st candle is the candle of HOPE but is sometimes referred to as the prophecy candle in remembrance of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah Rom 15:12 ESV And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.” The 2nd purple candle represents Peace. Peace with God and Peace of God. Hear the words of Isaiah: Isa 9:6 ESV For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Joh 14:27 ESV Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. The 3rd candle is the candle of JOY, It is a celebration filled with joy as “Christmas” has come to earth bringing salvation that HE has gifted us. The 4th candle is known as the LOVE candle and is a reminder of the great love god has for his creation 1Jn 4:9 ESV In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. Last but not the least is the center white candle, the Christ Candle and is a reminder of the Incarnation of Christ. 1Jn 4:9 ESV In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. When we deal with Advent, the activities are reminders of what has happened already. Christ has come but there is another Advent yet to be. Read 1st Thessalonians, chapters 1-5. That Advent will be ever so different than the first Advent. I trust you will be ready for that one. If you are happen to read this and are in the area of 155 Old Bar Harbor Road, Salisbury Cove at our worship time of 9:00a, drop in, we’d love to have you enhance our worship time. If you can’t make it today, perhaps another Lord’s Day you will be able to join with us. Remember, you can hear / see Susan’s prelude on Gerry Mann’s FB page and also @ 8:50a on Eden Baptist Church’s FB page as a lead in to the remainder of our worship service which begins at 9:00 a.m. Have a great Lord’s Day 🙏❤🎼📖✝🙏