Lawson Brown

Fourth Sunday of Advent is Near 

Some 700 years before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Isaiah wrote: “The young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel”.

Kathleen Norris writes:

Surely the story sounded less than good to Mary’s ears, and even frightening. Who is she, a peasant girl, that the angel of God should appear before her? Who is she, to bear the Saviour God promised to Israel? Why should this great blessing and burden come into her humble life? Unlike Zechariah, however, Mary believes. For her question to the angel is not “how will I know?” but, “How can this be?” She has already accepted the truth of what the angel tells her.

But Mary still has to assent to it, to answer “Yes.” And on that our salvation hinges. Will the door open, or remain locked? Will we be subject to evil and death forever, or be led out into freedom? The answer depends on Mary, and it depends on us. 

The questions God asks us are always questions of being, rather than of knowing. And simply recognizing those moments, stopping for a moment because someone or something wants our attention, can matter. Chances are, we will see or hear an angel - and if we do, beware; remember the desert monk who defeated a demon that appeared before him as an angel of light, by saying, “I haven’t done anything to deserve an angel!” But it will be clear that we are being asked to say either “yes” or “no,” to embrace or ignore what God has set before us.

Like the ancient Israelites in the desert, we can long for the security of the world we knew in Egypt. Slaves, after all, have the security of knowing their place in the world. Or, like Mary, we can say “Yes” to the new, uncertain reality that promises true freedom. Saying “yes” to God will always mean more than we can possibly imagine, both for us, and for others. Walls and stumbling blocks that seemed impassable crumble suddenly, as we let our fears go. Like Mary, we have no way of knowing any of this. We can ask for courage, however, and trust that God has not led us into this new land only to abandon us there.

Taken from Rediscovering the Meaning of Christmas: God with Us.

Last Weekend

Thank you to everyone that attended A Christmas Story last week end at the Bearspaw Lifestyle Centre. More than 500 guests attended - many were visitors. This was a huge effort shouldered by many people. The choir and orchestra was wonderful - the atmosphere charming and inviting - the treats and goodies delightful. I want to thank every person that served and helped to make this event happen. The Lord was with us...

This Weekend 

This Sunday, Dec 18, I will speak at NWRC on the theme: Jesus and Islam. Sunday afternoon, I have been invited to speak to a Muslim group in the city along the theme of Why Christians Keep Christmas. I will share a similar message for both audiences. Sunday's message will feel a little different and I believe you will see your faith from a different perspective when you listen. I request your prayers for Sunday - especially the event with the Muslim community.

Please Note

The theatre is not available to us December 25 and January 01. We will join Central for  worship those dates. Worship at the theatre resumes January 08 (come back :o)

The Board of Governors has approved the outfitting of a third theatre for adult worship. Expect to see Theatre 1 open in the first quarter of 2012. We thank the Lord for the growth he has given us this past year.

 Grieving Family

Pray for the Brenton and Sylvia Cox family in the loss of Brenton’s father, Rev. Bill Cox. Pastor Cox served more than 40 years in Christian ministry. He will be missed; the legacy he leaves behind is rich and full of God’s grace...