When I headed to church on Sunday morning, snowflakes were already falling, and the forecast promised it would continue most of the day. I had planned to hold a Remembrance Service after worship, but with the weather looking so uncertain, I thought about canceling. Then I asked for a quick show of hands to see who intended to stay — and that’s when I realized my plan wasn’t going to happen! And I’m so glad it didn’t. The time we shared together in that hour was deeply rich and profoundly meaningful. Elizabeth Meade had a poem she had written and asked to share with us. The Advent topic for Sunday was Love. Here is Elizabeth’s poem…
Letting God In
What is there to experience,
but you, oh God? You,
the Great Spirit blowing
through all things. I thought
I had shut the door to my heart
so you could not enter,
but you slip through
its cracks like a mouse
in Winter – surprising
& so alive, wanting only
the warmth I had to offer.
Now, I can no longer avoid
feeling your presence. Now,
I hold you close, rejoice
in each whisker twitch
of your Divine Light
against me, my soul
soothed by the soft fur
of your Love, wrapped in
the tail of your Grace.
One Light, Many Paths: Celebrating the Sacred in All
Advent is a season of returning home — not to a physical address, but to a spiritual awareness where love is the foundation of all we do. In this third week of Advent, we focus on Love, the essence of the journey home. Our affirmation: “I honor the light and love in every heart.”
Love is more than an emotion; it is the very essence of God, the light that shines through every heart. The theme, One Light, Many Paths, reminds us that while spiritual traditions may differ, they all reflect the same divine light. As Jesus said, “There are many dwelling places in my Father’s house” (John 14:2). There is room for all paths in the heart of God.
At the center of every authentic spiritual tradition is love, love for God, love for neighbor, love for self. Love is not sentimental; it is powerful. It bridges divides, heals wounds, and creates peace. Advent calls us to return home to this love and to practice it daily.
This week, let’s embody love through five simple practices:
See the Divine in Others – Affirm silently: “I honor the light in you.”
Listen with Compassion – Create space for understanding.
Bless Across Boundaries – Offer a blessing: “May your light shine bright.”
Give from the Heart – Share time, attention, and kindness.
Celebrate Diversity – Learn about another tradition and honor its beauty.
Love is the most powerful force in the universe. When we choose love, we create ripples that reach far beyond what we can see. This week, let us shine as candles in the darkness, living expressions of the Christ light.
Join us next Sunday for a beautiful celebration of the fourth Sunday of Advent! Our theme is Joy, and the message is titled: “Joy Unleashed: Living from the Inside Out!”
After the service, stay and enjoy a festive potluck. Bring a favorite dish to share! Then, let’s continue the celebration as we honor the Winter Solstice with the amazing Vanessa Gates-Elston leading us in a special experience.
Come for the inspiration, stay for the community, and let’s celebrate the season together!
As we move through this season together, let’s keep embracing the beautiful rhythm of community. Whether you’re sitting in the sanctuary, joining us online, or simply holding us in your thoughts, remember this: You belong here.
Every smile, every prayer, every shared moment is a thread in the tapestry we’re creating. So let’s keep showing up—with open hearts, clear intentions, and the joy of knowing we’re walking this path side by side. Together, we’re growing, evolving, and shaping something truly meaningful.
You are a blessing in my life,
Rev. Patricia Bessey
