People of Advent,

In this season of waiting, we have been called to examine and prepare by John the Baptist. We have looked at Hope and Peace. Last week, Luke 3:1-6 told us to repent and prepare the way.

This week we look at Joy.

At face value, this week’s text from Luke 3:7-18 is more of the apocalyptic craziness from John the Baptist. He says, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance.”

We might ask ourselves, “Where is the good news? Where is the joy? What does this have to do with Christmas?”

Do you have an answer? Perhaps not. However, we are called to seek.

John continues to cry from the wilderness, exhorting us to look within and change from the inside out. Inviting us into a renewal in a baptism that leads to Joy. The Joy that will “baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

I look forward to being with you Sunday.
Rev. Michael Cronin

Happy Thanksgiving, People of God,

The previous church year has ended. We are giving thanks for what God has given us. This coming Sunday, we enter into the church new year – Advent.

Advent – a time of waiting.

We wait in HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE for the arrival of the Christ, the Messiah, the One who will deliver us from our earthly toils and tribulations. This is what we, and our ancestors, have done over the millennia.

In this liturgical year, we focus on the Gospel of Luke. Luke brings us the child meek and mild, born in a cattle stall witnessed by the lowly shepherds. We are reminded that “pedigree and grandeur” is not how God reveals themself, God – Immanuel, God with us – comes through “the least of these.”

As we journey through Advent, I invite you to engage the “Traveling with Our Ancestors” devotional in addition to weekly worship.

With expectancy,
Rev. Michael Cronin