Advent Unwrapped: Dreaming of Peace

Be and Be Not Afraid I have to admit that I am attracted to scarcity mindsets. Scarcity, for me, feels like hiding in a cozy, quiet corner at a crowded party that is just too much! Others who trust in abundance might just step outside where endless possibilities could find them, but that’s not me; I crave the small, contained, predictable space of scarcity. This desire has unintentionally shaped my feelings about peace. As a theologian, I understand how peace is a resulting action of our Christian mandate to work towards reconciliation, restoration, and justice. In my heart, though, peace feels like the absence of all the hurts that torment souls: suffering, war, greed, climate change, racism, sexism, homophobia, gun violence, poverty, human rights violations, environmental racism, and displacement. Hurts that seem unmanageable and abundant.  My dream of peace is based on my own privilege; I do not live in war, and I have been blessed with safe places that I can retreat to when overwhelmed by the brokenness of our world. Many of us, though, like Mary and Joseph, who were forced to leave their homes, are made to venture outside to seek peace through abundance. An abundance of mercy, love, kindness, faithful actions, friendship, and justice. It’s the peace that Mary sings about and the peace of Jesus’ ministry. It’s scary to think of peace in terms of abundance because it is not just about me and what’s lacking—it’s about us and what good could be if we, people of good, will work together. This week I take to heart the words of the angels, Fear not, and the words of Tracy Chapman, Be and be not afraid to reach for heaven, as I try to find the courage to leave my comfy, privileged corner to seek an abundance of peace for all.

This Week’s Round-up: New Videos, and more! We are thrilled to premier two more in our series of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted hymns that we have created with members of the Deaf Community within the United Church: Away in a Manger              Silent Night Have you printed your zines yet (or found someone to print it for you)? Keep inspiration in your pocket with our Advent micro-zines.  . Lastly, this Prayer of Grief and Gratitude by Tori Mullin might help with your longest night service planning. Advent Blogs of The Week     Lots has happened this week on social media. Check out the hope themed Advent Blog and Microblog contributions from Rev. Stephen Milton, Sarah Yang, Michael Lee, and a prayer from Catherine Faith MacLean. Shout Outs!   Our partners at The United Church of Canada have amazing resources that are both inspired and timely. Check out the worship resources for the season by Mia McClain, which correspond with the new music Memory, and the sermon seeds by Cheryl Lindsay. Thanks to Tammy-Jo Mortensen, Gathering Worship Music Editor, who is always rounding up helpful lists and charts to introduce us to new music and composers. Check out her list of possible Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany anthems by Canadian Women Composers. To Consider     Starting today, through to December 10, there is a call to hold vigil for The United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28) being held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30 – December 12. Visit For the Love of Creation to explore more ways to get involved. You can follow The United Church of Canada’s Young Adult Delegation on social media using #UCCANCOP28 and #FLCCOP28. This Sunday, and for the rest of Advent, many communities of faith will replace the lighting of the peace candle with a moment of silence as we pray together for peace in solidarity with Christian in the Middle East. To Try     My son and I made this super-easy nativity craft this week. We painted this wooden container with lots of brilliant and dark colours mixed with sparkles, and then we looked for things around the house that could tell the story of Christmas and snapped a picture! Waiting with you in hope, Alydia   P.S Remember sharing means caring! If this email has been forwarded to you by a loving friend, family member or neighbour please sign-up for our weekly Advent newsletter. You may also want to follow us on on our Facebook page, where you can share links to resources, ideas and inspirations that have worked for you. Facebook Twitter Website Email Instagram YouTube LinkedIn   Your generosity enables the United Church to love, serve, and minister in the world. Make an online donation or learn more about your options to support the work of the church.

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