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A THRILL OF HOPE - Advent Series 2010
During the Advent and Christmas season we will look at the familiar Christmas story in Word and art. As we hear the well known story from Matthew and Luke's gospel and ponder the art of John August Swanson, the series is to be a catalyst for our journey of faith. Swanson's use of complex color, his wide depiction of diversity, the involvement of the community and the world of Christianity bring to life in new ways God's working in our world and in our lives. Through the story, art, and music of the season we will experience both God's sense of possibility and our human sense of possibility for life and creation.
December 11/12
Advent Week Three: THE SHEPHERDS Luke 2:8-20 Saturday at 5:00 pm
Sunday at 8:00, 9:00, and 10:30 am
In Swanson's work, most of the shepherds are looking to the heavens and listening to the message of the angels. There is one who is sound asleep and one who is looking somewhere else. When the good news of Jesus' birth was announced by the angels, it was announced to the shepherds first. However, the shepherds had a choice whether to listen to the message. I had never thought about that before. I assumed in reading Luke's story, that the angels' message was so startling and profound, that every shepherd experienced the angels in a state of awe.
Swanson's painting, I believe points to a fundamental way in which God enters into our lives. God makes His presence known to us in so many ways. Are we paying attention? In these few weeks leading to Christmas, I want to invite you to pay attention to the signs and messages of God's working. Sunday we will reflect upon the shepherds and their response to the angels' message and how we can notice God at work in our lives.
On Saturday evening, Pastor Gerry will be preaching on the theme of JOY. This weekend we will be lighting the third Advent candle - the candle of JOY.
On Sunday morning, the Milwaukee Renaissance Band will be blessings us with historical sounds of Christmas as they perform traditional early music selections.
See you in worship this weekend and at one of the Child of Hope events.
Pastor Susan
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