The First Noel: Advent 3

Isaiah 35: 10 “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”

Have you ever received, “Good news of great joy”? What was your reaction? Did you run to tell someone, did you do a happy dance, did you have a celebration? Ultimately, the Christmas story is about joy. Those who had first-hand experience in the First Noel like Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds may have been anxious and afraid at first, but in the end with the birth of Jesus, they were filled with joy. Joy is that overwhelming sense that everything will be okay. Joy is believing that what is wrong will be made right. Joy is celebrating that hope and peace and love will triumph over everything else. In this Christmas season, may we too be filled with great joy!

The First Noel: Advent 2

Isaiah 11: 1-2 “A shoot shall come out from the stock of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.”

During this busy time of year, we often lack a spirit of peace. We are often stressed about getting everything done: the shopping, the baking, the wrapping, the visiting, etc… The first Christmas was not a peaceful time either. Under Roman rule, the people of Israel were looking for a Saviour. Little did they know that one night in a small town, God would come to the world and be born Jesus, the Prince of Peace. With the spirit of the Lord resting upon him, Jesus would change the world in unexpected and surprising ways, ushering in a new kingdom of peace and love.

The First Noel: Advent 1

Isaiah 9: 6 “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Yes, it is that time of the year again! Christmas is coming! We see the signs all around us in the stores and the lights and decorations. We are tempted by flyers with the best sales of the year. We are looking forward to special holiday foods. Sometimes, the Christmas season can get so busy and overwhelming.

This year, Knox Church is going back to basics to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Each week, we will hear a part of the Christmas story, sing carols, and remember why we celebrate. We will also see images from Rev. Tobey’s recent trip to the Holy Land of the places that we read about in the Nativity story from the Bible. On the first Sunday of Advent, we will consider Mary and Elizabeth and their very important role in ‘The First Noel’.

GO and DO

Luke 10: 37 “Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’”

When Jesus was being tested by a lawyer, he told one of the most famous stories in the Bible: The Good Samaritan. A man was robbed, beaten, and left by the side of the road. Some people who should have helped, just passed on by. Then a Samaritan, who was a hated outsider, stopped and cared for the injured man. Jesus asked the lawyer ‘Who was a neighbour? He said ‘The one who showed him mercy.”. To which Jesus said, ‘Go and do likewise.’

What does it mean to show mercy? Mercy is showing compassion when you don’t have to. Mercy is forgiveness even when it’s hard. Mercy is being kind just because it is the right thing to do. Mercy is caring for those in need even if it’s inconvenient. For Christians, showing mercy is an essential part of loving God and loving our neighbours as ourselves. From Jesus, we learn that it may be in unexpected people and surprising situations that mercy is shown, and with his example, we can go and do likewise.