Happy New Year!

The first Sunday in Advent is New Year's Day in the Church. As we begin to prepare for the celebration of the birth of the Savior, God's gift of love, the Advent season also reminds us to wait with hopeful anticipation for the time when Christ will come again in power and glory at the close of the age.

The third week of advent is a time for Joy. We light the pink candle on the Advent wreath, sometimes called the Mary candle which traditionally represents Joy. Mary's song of Praise and Joy from the Gospel of Luke remind us of Joy even in uncertain times. Her words can guide us to look for the Joy of God, even when things may be uncertain in our lives.

Wednesday, December 12 - Rachel concluded her two part series on Advent with additional insight into the Advent Season. We then participated in lighting the first three candles of the Advent wreath (first = Hope, second = Peace, third = Joy) with readings and song, singing > after lighting the pink candle.

After selected readings from the old and new testaments, Rachel led us in creating Christmas ornaments from symbols that we noted from the readings. Wow, we have some artistic people in this group. Make sure you come by on Wednesday, December 19 for the Christmas Party and Potluck (check calendar for details). You can see the water in the desert, children playing with snakes, angels, stars, sheep, etc. Be sure not to miss the ferocious beast (and his girlfriend)!

Please pray these prayers:
* Kelli and her family - illness
* Kelli's friend - loss
* Michelle - finding a job, Kelli - being happy in her job, Ellen - decision of job transfer, Alex - wisdom in deciding his future job.
* Alex and his brother, sister-in-law, nephew - illness, separation
* Praises: Sarah - safe and happy return from her trip, Alex - graduation, Victor - his many blessings since his return