4th Sunday in Advent

By Rev. Judith Maynard on December 12, 2010

Sunday, December 19
Love…gotta have it.

How can you show love to others during this Christmas?

There are different forms of love and at this time of the year relational expectations are at an all time high.  Whether it is family, romantic or communal love, people want to feel acceptance and reassurance.  God, through Christ, has done just that – accepted humanity and assured it with life that does not end.  Not just any life, but life abundant with the things that matter.  There is no greater love than the love of God.

More about Advent (click here).

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3rd Sunday in Advent

By Rev. Judith Maynard on December 5, 2010

Sunday, December 12
Joy…to get me through the tough days.

What is the difference between joy and happiness?

Joy is not a surface-level happy – it is deeply seated within us and is manifest in our lives by grace and assurance.  Joy might be described as knowing something better exists, and holding onto that which is better.   As you praise God, you will draw strength knowing that no matter what circumstances you face, joy truly is our strength.

More about Advent (click here).

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2nd Sunday in Advent

By Rev. Judith Maynard on November 28, 2010

Sunday, December 05
Peace…strength to hold on.

If peace were to show up at your door, what would it look like?

Putting into practice the way of peace will manifest peace in our lives and the world.  We will find peace with God, peace with others and peace in our actions – from home to communal life, and far beyond.  We will experience a deep, abiding sense within that we know our purpose and that by God’s grace we will live into God’s dreams for us.  Often we seek material things to bring us peace, but in seeking Christ, we actually find it.  This Christmas keep Jesus as the main character.

More about Advent (click here).

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1st Sunday in Advent

By Rev. Judith Maynard on November 21, 2010

Sunday, November 28
Hope…next year, things will be different.

What is your deepest hope this Christmas?

If we truly want a life-giving Christmas, drawing closer to God needs to take priority over any material desire on this year’s wish list.  In this first week of Advent we focus on living into eternal hope, carrying that hope for others, knowing that no matter what we go through, we are never alone.  God will break through our circumstances and shed light.

More about Advent (click here).

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Have You Seen the Angels?

By Rev. Judith Maynard on December 3, 2009

Last week we began Advent with the story of the angel Gabriel bringing an important message to the Priest Zechariah.  Like so many of us, Zechariah was just going through the motions of his faith.  He and his wife Elizabeth had lost hope that one day they would have a child.  Yet, God had a plan for Zechariah and Elizabeth – and Elizabeth would later give birth to John, who would be the one to “prepare the way for our Lord.”

Maybe this year the idea of Christmas seems more like work than wonder.  Maybe you are just going through the motions of preparing for Christmas.  It is my hope that you will remember that God came to us through the birth of baby Jesus and every year we celebrate this miracle and gift.

Angels bring us important messages - and remind us that God is still involved in our world and in our lives.

This week come to church at MCC of Albuquerque and hear about a young woman – Mary – who would give birth to Jesus – the Savior of our world.

I hope to see you this week as we continue our Advent journey.

Peace and love,

Pastor Judy

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