Edmond Free Methodist Church

Today is the Third Sunday in Advent. The candle of joy will be lit today.
The Apostle, Paul wrote to the Church at Philippi: Rejoice in the Lord always, again, I say, rejoice.
In the past several weeks, I have not "felt" like rejoicing. The loss of a friend to her illness, the sudden death of a young woman killed in a car accident and her daughter who is still hospitalized from major injuries - a very young child. And, so many others who ask for prayers for their loved ones suffering. Where is this joy?
According to the Psalmist, "joy comes in the morning." We must look for it. We must seek joy. Jesus reminds us in John 15 to abide in him. Then in verse 11, he says: "I have said these things to you so that MY JOY may be in you, and that your joy may be complete." Go to John 3:29 and you will see these words by John the Baptist: "He who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled."
O, to hear and see this truly. Jesus is the bridegroom and we, who believe are the bride. Let us rejoice greatly to hear the voice of Christ Jesus. Let us listen for Him at the break of day. As the sun rises, let us remember that Christ was raised from the dead and he bore our sons on his body. He redeemed us from sin and death so that we may have everlasting life. REJOICE!

Today is the second Sunday in Advent. The Peace candle will be lit today. How do we bring peace to our world? Zechariah prophesied "By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." Luke 2:78-79. Jesus is the light of the world. Only He can bring light to a dark world. Jesus reminded his disciples in John 14:27-28: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." Jesus is the Prince of Peace. As we grow into his likeness, let us be people of peace. Let us be lights to the world shining into the darkness and sowing peace wherever our feet will take us. Peace be with you, God's peace.

Today is the first Sunday in Advent. If you listen to the news, you may become disheartened or discouraged. You may have lost hope recently - a close friend may have died; the election results catapulted you into despair; you recently received divorce papers. All of these can cause one to lose hope.
The Apostle spoke these encouraging words to the Church at Rome and for us today: May the God of HOPE fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Look at the beautiful colors of the tulips that are not blah or boring. They are in living color! The crows are speaking to one another, the doves coo, the cardinals flit from one branch to another and the roosters are calling "Wake up!"
This season is definitely cooler. Some parts of the U.S. are covered in a blanket of white snow. Other parts are cooler in temps but one can still get out for a brisk walk and enjoy the birds singing, the dogs barking, the joy of children playing on their bicycles and scooters.
The apostle reminds us that our hope is unshakeable and immovable. We have a consistent and abiding hope in Christ Jesus. So, listen for and look for the signs of hope! Remember that Jesus reminds us to put our hope in Him. Everything else will rot, rust and decay, but our faith in the Lord reminds us that He is going to return and He will take us to the places that He has prepared for us. We belong to an eternal God who has an eternal home for us. Hope in the Lord! Be on the lookout all week for signs of hope.

The First Sunday in Advent is December 1, 2024. Advent is a season of hope, peace, joy and love. There are usually four candles (3 purple and one pink) surrounding the white Christ candle which is lit on Christmas Eve. The Christ candle remains on the communion table from this time forward until Good Friday when it is hidden then brought out on Easter (or Resurrection)Sunday and then removed on Ascension Sunday symbolizing Christ's ascension into heaven.

Did you know that the word "Eucharist" means "giving thanks"? Can you give thanks for the rest of November? Some suggestions each day: for hot water, for warm clothing, for socks and shoes, for a safe home, etc.