You are warmly invited into the season of Advent; a time to pause amidst the busyness, reflect on the spirit of the season, and prepare our hearts to receive the good news of Christ's birth. Advent has been celebrated in the Christian church for over 1,000 years.
Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Eve. Each week, as we light a new candle on our Advent wreath, it has become traditional to turn our thoughts to the theme for that week: Hope, Peace, Joy or Love. December 20 begins the Advent Week of Love.
Each week a new section of this website will offer a virtual Advent wreath lighting from St. Clement's, reflections on the theme from our fellow citizens in the community, and stories, songs, prayers and blessings on Hope, Peace, Joy or Love.
And don't forget to visit our Advent Tree in Lynn Valley Village, along with St. Clement's new outdoor Advent wreath at 3400 Institute Rd.
We light a candle for love
We have enjoyed seeing Mary and Joseph journey their way through North Vancouver. The Mexican Las Posadas tradition, in which Mary and Joseph characters roam through a village seeking shelter (and having a drink at every home along the way!) remind us of the foundational value of offering hospitality to those who need it.
It has been impossible to offer hospitality in the usual ways during this time of pandemia - but we can always welcome others into our hearts, if not our homes. Perhaps if we are not cooking large family feasts this Christmas, we will have time to be more attentive and hospitable to people in different ways.
And don't forget to slow down long enough to show hospitality to God. Click below to join the Rev'd André Stephany as he takes you on a contemplative tour to Bethlehem, in the footsteps of Joseph and Mary. Enjoy his photos and take the time to reflect on some of the questions that come up along the way.
What seasonal sights and sounds are behind the windows this week? And what North Van landmarks might Joseph and Mary be visiting They certainly enjoyed a special outing on December 15! Click on our virtual Advent calendar below to find out what they are up to.
A word about love
A message from the Rev. André Stephany
Activities for the Week
Something for the head, hands and heart
Stories, Music, Articles, and More
A gathered collection of love-filled resources we found and liked. Thanks to all artists, writers and speakers represented!
Some version of the "Golden Rule" is common across all religions, and it is well known that Jesus said to "Love your neighbour as yourself." But Jesus went a giant step further in calling people to love not just their neighbours, but everyone - even (or especially) those who are hard to love. In the Gospel of Matthew (Chapter 5: 43-47), he says:
You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?
On the night before he died, Jesus's final message to his disciples made it clear that love was at the heart of everything he had tried to convey. His most central commandment was all about love. In the Gospel of John (13:34-35), we read:
I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
That same evening, Jesus washed the feet of his friends to show them that love should be demonstrated through active service and compassion.
Paul never met Jesus in person - in fact, Paul was one of the religious people who persecuted the early "Followers of the Way," as early Christians were first known. But after he had a life-changing vision of Jesus on the road to Damascus he made it his mission to travel widely, often risking life and limb, in order to introduce new communities to the good news of Christ. Much of our knowledge of the early church come from the letters Paul wrote to these communities, encouraging their continued commitment to each other and to their life of faithful witness.
One of these letters (or, as they are called in the Bible, "epistles") was sent to the early church in Corinth, likely in the mid-50s CE. In it, Paul wrote a description of love that has been a favourite scripture reading in the hundreds of years since. Click below for a reminder that love is patient, love is kind, and .... well, have a look and see! You can even print and colour this version.
9) Why are Advent candles arranged in a circle?
10) What is the name of the "love hormone" that is produced when humans bond with each other?