The link above is to the prayers at the Advent Candle, filmed last year. I will send a link to the Advent 1 candle to follow this email.

In going back to these videos I am reminded that last year we only returned to church for Advent 2, amid the uncertainty of Christmas preparations then. Now, from conversations I've had with locals, I know we are in another time when people feel uncertain and anxiety is rising again.

Our Advent readings remind us that throughout the history of the people of God there have been times of uncertainty, times of sorrow, times when people seek from their God the assurance of comfort and calm - "salvation"- a word that carries a depth of meaning that combines health and wholeness, well being and peace. What the Christian tradition offers is a vison that sees Jesus as the one who offers the fulfillment of those desires - by coming into the ordinary confusion,anxiety and sorrow of the human experience and walking us into a trust in God that holds us in the darkness and in the light.

However you are feeling today, whatever you are facing in your own life, whatver your heart is aching for in our wider community and world, I pray that candles lit, the beauty of a new moon or the lights that twinkle in the long nights will be little signs of the hope and trust and love that Advent offers.

God bless

Samantha