The Langley Campus of Christian Life Assembly was a beehive of activities this week. On Monday night I had a board meeting and looked around in awe! The choir was practicing, the decorating team were finishing up, people were working in the Theatre (CLA Center) and I felt “wrapped in wonder”! As we’ve navigated change this fall, we’ve embraced the new and it feels very good. This week Pastor Sheldon was meeting with our Langley Ministry Leadership Team planning the week of prayer in January and the Missions Committee planning our February Global Awareness. We had our first Campus Pastors meeting as we welcomed Pastor Tim Young, the new Maple Ridge Pastor. Pastor Debbie launched Christmas events with the Her banquet on Thursday and tonight (Sunday) we have our choir presenting “The King Has Come” with performances at 3:30 and 7 pm. We are off and running. I want to specifically thank Kim Ironmonger and her amazing team for decorating the campus, it looks beautiful. I also want to thank all those who’ve come out over the past 3 weekends to build the outside nativity and the “Gaetz home” in the theatre. Specifically thank you to Neil Muth and Jonathan Keller who gathered volunteers and set the direction.
Today we begin Advent. Advent is the Christian season of waiting and preparation for the coming of Jesus—both his birth at Christmas and his promised return. It lasts for four weeks, beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, and centers on themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. For us, the conclusion is the candlelight services on Christmas Eve. It’s not just a countdown to Christmas; it’s a spiritual journey of expectation and renewal. This is a time for us to worship, remember Christ’s salvation and participate in a spiritual awakening. Today we have a new Advent wreath, nativity set, and candles provided by the creative and loving energy of Peter Vermeulen. Each Sunday we’ll begin our service at the nativity and work out from there. Pastor Laurel has helped us shape the themes and introductions. Why does Advent matter? First, it helps us to slow down and prepare spiritually rather than just rushing into holiday busyness. Second, we get to focus on remembering God’s faithfulness in sending Jesus. And third, we purposefully get to live in hopeful anticipation of Christ’s return, practicing patience, peace-making, joy, and love in daily life.
Today we start a new sermon series in all six of our services called “Included”. In Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus, we see those who are included, some who are surprising, four women who speak to us of God’s love, compassion and inclusivity. Each Sunday we will unpack God’s bold invitation. On the third Sunday of Advent our kids will show us the way with a presentation on HOPE. Each Sunday will include follow up for guests that embrace a next steps table making available the story of Jesus as seen through the eyes of the disciple John. There are also invitations there for Wrapped in Wonder, Christmas Eve, and Alpha.
