The lesson of waiting for consolation is discussed through the life experiences of elderly Simeon and Anna. They show us how to look forward to the coming of the Lord. And like them, we are to wait with expectation as God works his plan.
The fourth Sunday in Advent is about Love which is "agape" in the original Greek. It is an unmerited, willful act of God to love us - His creation. Christmas is about showing agape love to others. Because God loves us, we can have hope, peace, joy and love towards others.
Hear the good news of Christmas. We celebrate the birth of our saviour Jesus Christ. God proclaims peace to men through Christ. The angel announces great joy in his birth. It is a great joy for all who believe and trust their salvation to Christ. And this joy of loving fellowship with God never ends.
December 21st is a day in the Advent season marking the longest night of the year. On this day, many denominations hold a church service that honours people that have lost loved ones and are experiencing grief.
The birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated in 9 lessons and the singing of Christmas carols by the Melville Church Choir in this evening candlelight service.
In the second Advent Sunday, Peace is emphasized. Jesus brought about peace in His time, and in today's conflicted world. Jesus brings us inner peace from the assurance of salvation. He brings us peace with others, and Christians have Biblical peace by trusting in God's promises in the Bible.
Advent candles are a part of Christian tradition that serve as a reminder that Jesus came as Light into our dark world. The first candle symbolizes hope and is called the “Prophet’s Candle.” The prophets of the Old Testament, especially Isaiah, waited in hope for the Messiah’s arrival. We are to maintain this same hope in our troubled world.
Celebrating Christ as the King. This day is often called ‘the Feast of Christ the King’. It is a feast day that celebrates the full authority of Christ as King and Lord of the universe.
The parable of the rich fool. Christians are not to devote our lives to gathering and accumulating wealth. What happens to all that wealth when we die? Second, we are not blessed by God when we hoard our wealth. We are blessed when we are a blessing in the lives of others. And, we are blessed when we build the Kingdom of God.
From a Christian perspective, the Beatitudes teach that believers are blessed even in hard times because they will receive eternity in heaven. Also, we are blessed for having honorable qualities such as being meek, righteous, merciful, pure, and peacemakers. The horrors of war are discussed.