December 24, 2013

It is Christmas Eve!  The waiting is almost over, but not quite.  With every breath, we draw a little closer to the hour of opening the box.  

Today’s scripture of reflection:

While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.  

Luke 2:6

Today’s photo is a little different than the ones before it.  The first photo of today is of the box as it waits to be opened inside the church sanctuary.  Here it is:

The box sits on the table, near the tree, waiting.  The time has not yet come.  This box will finally get opened, ‘while they were there’.  We will wait until many are gathered.

For people who are near us, and want to join us when we open the box, and celebrate the birth of Jesus, Transcona Memorial United Church has services at 5 pm, 7 pm, and 10pm.  We are located at 209 Yale Avenue West in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.  

For people who are not near, or who want to wait until the next post to see what is inside the box, we will write after the last service of the evening, sometime before midnight Central Time Zone (GMT/UTC – 06:00).

We wait, we wait, we wait.

May Christmas bring peace, justice, and love to all the earth.

 

December 8, 2013

We were back at church today to open Advent Box 8.  It was the church community in the church building, and there was an air of excitement about this time.  The children took the lead again.  There were many hands to hold the box, many hands to open the box and a young voice to read the scripture.  

When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honour them. Psalm 91:15

 

Threatening clouds in a dark sky.  Big waves.  A small boat.  A lighthouse.  Rocks.  Lightening.  There was lots to see and name.

After the naming was complete, children carried the box through the congregation for all to see.  It was precious cargo in young arms.  It was a message from God.  It was a promise.  It was hope and peace.  It was another step on the advent journey of waiting.