Dear Friends,
This Sunday (1st December 2024) marks the beginning of Advent—a season derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning “arrival” or “coming.” Advent invites us to prepare, but not merely in the ways commercialised culture would suggest. While gifts, gatherings, and celebrations are meaningful, Advent calls us to something deeper: to pause, reflect, and create space for God in our lives.
The Methodist Church’s Advent and Christmas campaign for 2024, “Hush the Noise: Join the Love Song This Christmas,” invites us to step back from the busyness of the season and listen for the love song sung by angels. Too often, our focus on creating a perfect Christmas overshadows the reality that Jesus came into the world in humble, ordinary circumstances. Born to a modest family navigating a challenging and messy world, His arrival speaks directly to our own struggles today. As we step into this sacred season, the world remains fraught with pain: wars, terminal illness, famine, natural disasters, and environmental crises. Nations clash, striving for dominance rather than peace, creating a stark contrast to the way of Jesus—the Prince of Peace. Amid this noise, Advent invites us to reflect on what truly matters, to seek God’s peace in a world overwhelmed by chaos.
It is tempting to fill our lives with more—more activities, more “stuff”—in the hope of creating joy. Yet this often leaves us feeling disconnected and burdened, unable to find the peace and space where God can dwell. Advent challenges us to let go of the “rubbish” that clutters our lives and hearts, and to embrace intentional clearing out. This isn’t easy. Discernment is required to identify what brings peace and harmony versus what prevents us from connecting with God and each other.
In the language of faith, we call this repentance: the act of reflecting on where we have fallen short and deliberately turning back to God. The book of Isaiah continues a prayer of penitence, expressing a longing for God’s presence in the midst of exile and despair.
Yet even in the midst of sorrow, there is hope: “Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” (Isaiah 64:8)Even when we feel broken or distant, God is still shaping us. Like clay in the potter’s hands, we are being formed, reshaped, and prepared for something greater. This may be an uncomfortable process, and the results may not align with our expectations, but it is through God’s shaping that we are made ready to receive His peace, love, and presence.
Each of us has a God-shaped space within our hearts. This Advent, I invite you to fill that space with the love, peace, and comfort of the One who calls us His sons and daughters. May we set aside the distractions and noise, clearing our hearts and minds to welcome
Jesus—past, present, and future.
Advent is a season of anticipation and preparation, a time to ready our hearts to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. It is also a reminder to share the Good News of His coming with others, rather than keeping it to ourselves. This message of hope, peace, and salvation is meant to be shared with the world, bringing light to all who hear it.
May we find hope in God’s promise, peace in His presence, and joy in His love.
Every blessing,
Rev David Jebb