Creativity as Worship (8)
Life Church Petersfield 24 September 2019

Advent - What is it all about?

• Advent is a season of anticipation, of Holy waiting and Prophetic Hope. In that anticipation we remember Christ’s first coming and look towards the promised second coming.
• Advent should be a season of surprises – of God showing up when and where we least expect – Emmanuel. In a womb, in a barn, as a poor minority in an oppressive Empire, in the relief work in Aleppo, at a soup kitchen, at the church service you resisted attending, in the family member with whom you disagree, in every corner of the world.
• A season to slow down and pay attention, to listen to the prophets, to look to God in all his disguises. God meets us as we are in our own lives.

• Light can be warm. It can guide us but it can also expose and surprise.
• What does light in the darkness mean for the world?
• How can we prepare ourselves for the arrival of Jesus in a way that nurtures a spirit of anticipation and hope?
• What practical steps can I take to guard those quiet moments but also to embrace divine interruptions?
• Who is crying out for justice and peace from the margins and what will I do to heed their calls?

A few suggestions on preparation and serving

• Jesus was effectively homeless, born as a stranger in a foreign land, ruled by a powerful Empire. After being born he and his parents had to flee to safety as babies were murdered by a jealous king.
• Appeal Operation Christmas child – sending Christmas boxes to poor and traumatised children and orphans overseas. However, we might have missed this opportunity. Deadline 18th November Though some centres continue till 3rd December.
• Alternatively toys that are no longer needed by your children can be taken to the Salvation Army or Women’s refuge.
• Buy the Big Issue from the vendor in Petersfield and support a poor, possibly homeless family or refugee.
  
  

• Support Crisis in London by paying for meals during the Christmas period at London City Mission.
• Pray and support suffering Christians in war torn Syria with Open Doors or the Persecuted Church in Nigeria.
• Buy Fair Trade chocolate goods for Christmas.
  Support Oxfam’s Appeal by donating funds for farming equipment and animals/seeds or sponsor a child to attend school.
• Agree not to send cards or presents and donate that money to a worthwhile charity.
• Christmas Box for the elderly Community. Closing date 13th December. Hand in at Sew Creative.

We are called to be a real blessing to others especially during

this special season.