SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
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We Need A Little Christmas! And Arias! 
Kelly Guerra Sedgwick (mezzo soprano) and ERIC SEDGWICK (pianist) will give a Christmas Concert at 2 o’clock in the afternoon on Sunday, December 10th. The program will also include the singing of familiar carols, led by John Strybos, the organist & director of music at West Center Church. There will be a reception with holiday goodies immediately following the concert. The concert is open to all, and there is no charge.
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Where Are You, God?
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A Short Sermon |
The first Sunday of Advent calls us to a time of waiting that is filled with anticipation (Hope). The Old Testament lesson for this first Sunday of Advent looks forward to the time when God will intervene and reassert the divine reign on behalf of Judah. This announcement is greeted with anticipation and eagerness by some, with fear and anxiety by others.
The prophet Isaiah makes this contrast quite plain. During the nation's struggle, being exiled from their homeland and thus, the Hebrews believed, from God, the prophet communicated deep, abiding faith in God during a time of uncertainty and travail. He looks to the One who can deliver the people from their oppression. He calls upon God to be their Advocate and intervene against their enemies to bring an end to their misery. The prophet’s prayer also underscores the profound realization of how far the people and nation have strayed.
The prophet Isaiah makes this contrast quite plain. During the nation's struggle, being exiled from their homeland and thus, the Hebrews believed, from God, the prophet communicated deep, abiding faith in God during a time of uncertainty and travail. He looks to the One who can deliver the people from their oppression. He calls upon God to be their Advocate and intervene against their enemies to bring an end to their misery. The prophet’s prayer also underscores the profound realization of how far the people and nation have strayed.
Isaiah felt deeply the spiritual crisis of his people. He intercedes before God on their behalf. He knew that God was their only hope. Despite the people's sin and separation, Isaiah boldly called on God. He acknowledged the plight of the nation and the people's need for divine intervention. Isaiah's intercession offers a moving contrast between God's power and the bondage of the people. He reveals in his prayer that the way to access divine power is through honest self-examination and confession. In this manner, the coming of the Lord can be greeted with anticipation and eagerness rather than with fear and anxiety.
Advent is a good time to begin this journey to renewal.
On this first Sunday of Advent, we find ourselves at the start of a new season and the beginning of the Christian year.
The word "advent" comes from a Latin word meaning "to come." Advent is a time of waiting and anticipation.
But the waiting is difficult, even painful for us.
Just ask a child what he or she thinks about waiting until Christmas. At times, waiting can feel like it will take forever! Nevertheless, the value of waiting is immeasurable.
If you would like to learn more about Advent, please join us in our worship on Sundays at 11:00 AM.
On this first Sunday of Advent, we find ourselves at the start of a new season and the beginning of the Christian year.
The word "advent" comes from a Latin word meaning "to come." Advent is a time of waiting and anticipation.
But the waiting is difficult, even painful for us.
Just ask a child what he or she thinks about waiting until Christmas. At times, waiting can feel like it will take forever! Nevertheless, the value of waiting is immeasurable.
If you would like to learn more about Advent, please join us in our worship on Sundays at 11:00 AM.
Peace and Blessings!
Rev. Dr. Christopher Ponnuraj
Minister
Rev. Dr. Christopher Ponnuraj
Minister
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Phone: (914) 337-3829