Celebrating the third Sunday of Advent at White Oak UMC.

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The second Sunday of Advent. The nativity creche at White Oak UMC.

A Reflection on the light of Advent

Let some light shine on the darkness of life. Learn to live again with joy and peace. Be patient. Anticipate something, someone good. Be protected from the evil of the world. Know there is Someone out of this world who loves you no matter what. Grace and peace on this first Sunday of Advent.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

Isaiah 9:6-7

All four Advent candles lit. It is Christmas Eve.

Want to keep Christ in Christmas? Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, forgive the guilty, welcome the unwanted, care for the sick, love your enemies, and do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Steve Marshall

The Third Sunday of Advent at White Oak United Methodist Church

This morning our service was full of the spirit with great music and a great message from Pastor Lyle. Christmas does not begin without these four Sundays anticipating the coming of Christ. 

Lighting The Advent Candle Sunday

This is the Advent wreath at my church and tomorrow we will be lighting it for the second Sunday of Advent. It’s an honor and a blessing to participate in this act of worship. Each Sunday has a different theme leading up to lighting the Christ candle which is lit on Christmas Eve. 

An Advent Reflection, The “War on Christmas”

This “war on Christmas” is a bunch of hooey. Christmas is as alive and well as it ever was. It’s some Christian’s who have chosen to behave in a way that doesn’t reflect the love and grace of Christ who complain about the removal of Christian themes during the holiday.

Yes, there is too much commercialism, too much excess, too much focus on what do we get and less about what we give. I think the season of Advent helps focus the believer in on the coming of Christ during these days leading up to Christmas day. 

Really those who complain about less Christ in Christmas are too busy getting in a panic over things that aren’t what God would want them to focus on. The real things we should be concerned about are feeding the hungry, caring for the poor, loving our neighbors as we love ourselves.

I believe that Jesus was fully human and fully divine. He was humble and loved people, challenged the status quo and wanted to be sure that those he encountered were loved. 

Really if you want to put Christ back in Christmas, put Christ back into the Christian. Begin to do things that Jesus would want us to do. That means practicing your faith with generosity, peace and love every day not just this holiday.

An Advent Thought Of The Day #2

It’s truly amazing how a little boy would grow up to be a man of peace. He came to the people to spread love to everyone, no matter who they were. Some wanted a savior who was muscular and military but what they got was a hippie who’s arms of love were wide open to everyone. In this time of Advent its about the coming peacemaker. This is my theological thought for the day. Back to stuff.