CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION, HAMILTON

Advent is much more than a countdown to Christmas. Generations of Christians around the world consider the four weeks leading up to Christmas as time to prepare for the 'Advent' or beginning of a new age in Christ. When God came to us in flesh-and-blood, in that tiny, vulnerable infant 2000 years ago, God responded to the cries of creation for justice, restoration, and salvation. In Christ, God changed the world. But this work is not finished, and for that we are truly grateful! We continue to cry out for God to 'tear open the heavens and come down' (Isaiah 64:1) - to set things right, to heal and restore, and to end the suffering this pandemic has caused us all.

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So Advent is a season of preparation. It is a time to 'let every heart prepare (Christ) room' - in anticipation of celebrating the first Advent at Christmas, and in longing for the second Advent in Christ's return. And we do this preparation by engaging in spiritual exercises like: prayer, reading scripture, giving to those in need, etc. When Christians first started marking Advent, families would light candles at  home each day as they said prayers. Wreaths were used as symbols of life and creation.  Eventually this morphed into the Advent wreaths we find in

churches today.

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This year at COTR, we're launching an online ministry project of 'lighting candles' daily, so to speak. Members of our faith family will offer short reflections, scripture, and/or prayers that help them experience the Advent hope, peace, joy, and love Christ brings to us. These will take the form of short (2 min or less) videos we'll be posting daily on our Facebook and Instagram pages. They are not professionally produced, nor are the participants given a script of what to say. They are real people, sharing real reflections from their hearts. May they help you find the Light of Christ in these dark times.

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You can find the 'Finding the Light'

video posts on our social pages here:

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If you'd like to receive daily reminders with links to the 'post of the day,' please fill out the form below. You will not be placed on our regular e-blast list unless specifically requested. (Our e-blasts occur twice weekly and consist of parish news, events, and links to our online worship).

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If you'd like to know more about Church of the Resurrection and what else we'll be doing in Advent, visit our homepage.

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