Last week we began Advent at Oxygen with the week of Hope. Pastor Andrew shared about finding and seeking hope in this season and our lives. This week we are moving forward into the week of Peace.
The idea of peace in this day and age is such an exciting concept but it seems very far from something attainable. We have gone through so many ups and downs around the world in the last few years. Everywhere we go we hear talk of war, famine, hunger, pain, genocide, and so much hate. Peace seems like something only a child could dream of or ever think could happen. What does peace look like in your mind? Some of us may think peace will come with freedom from debt, or finding the right job. Maybe it’s finding the perfect guy or girl, some it may seem as simple as finishing school. So what’s peace look like to you? Take a moment and picture peace.
We all have our own idea of what may bring us peace but as we move through this time of Advent we see a greater peace then any of us could ever dream up. This peace that comes with Christ is a peace that surpasses all understanding. Isaiah 9:6 calls Jesus the Prince of Peace, I love that idea. He not only brings peace but He is the ruler of peace. Who better to seek true peace from then the only one with the power to offer it.
I pray and hope that in this advent season you can seek peace in your life from Christ who freely provides.
Pastor Andrew
Last week we began Advent at Oxygen with the week of Hope. Pastor Andrew shared about finding and seeking hope in this season and our lives. This week we are moving forward into the week of Peace.
The idea of peace in this day and age is such an exciting concept but it seems very far from something attainable. We have gone through so many ups and downs around the world in the last few years. Everywhere we go we hear talk of war, famine, hunger, pain, genocide, and so much hate. Peace seems like something only a child could dream of or ever think could happen. What does peace look like in your mind? Some of us may think peace will come with freedom from debt, or finding the right job. Maybe it’s finding the perfect guy or girl, some it may seem as simple as finishing school. So what’s peace look like to you? Take a moment and picture peace.
We all have our own idea of what may bring us peace but as we move through this time of Advent we see a greater peace then any of us could ever dream up. This peace that comes with Christ is a peace that surpasses all understanding. Isaiah 9:6 calls Jesus the Prince of Peace, I love that idea. He not only brings peace but He is the ruler of peace. Who better to seek true peace from then the only one with the power to offer it.
I pray and hope that in this advent season you can seek peace in your life from Christ who freely provides.
Pastor Andrew
This last Sunday night we started the lighting of the advent wreath at Oxygen. It’s wonderful to explore some of the older church traditions together. Several weeks ago I was asked what we were planning on doing for the Christmas season at Oxygen. It got me thinking about all kinds of great traditions I have been exposed to throughout my life and advent has by far had the greatest meaning.
My earliest memories of Advent come from time spent at my Grand Parents country church in Washington. I can remember singing songs and the pastor reading some scripture those were all the normal things we did each week at church. After a few more songs an older couple stood up from the front row and read a poem about hope followed by a prayer asking God to help us be a people and thanking Him for the hope he gave in the birth of his son the Christ. So being a little boy anytime there was fire involved my interest was sparked. The ride home in my Grandpa’s old farm truck was full of question from me about the candles and the lighting and the wreath. I was very concerned that they had forgotten to put out the candle, but once those fears were squelched my Grandpa began explaining. He told me about the three purple candles. The first standing for Hope then Love and Peace. Then the pink candle to represent the Joy brought through Christ. The center candle being a white candle showing Christ as the center. All of the candles as part of an evergreen wreath to stand for the unchanging nature of God. It was allot for a little guy to take in but even then it I greatly enjoyed the Advent tradition.
Looking back at my own love of Advent it was an easy choice as a way for us at Oxygen to experience this Christmas season together. I hope that if your reading this and have not been part of the advent tradition in the past that perhaps you will explore this for yourself. It’s an easy tradition to learn about with a quick Google or two. Or if you are part of the Oxygen group or you are in college or college aged (18 – 26) then come by this coming Sunday night @ 7pm in the youth room here at Shoreline and join us for this celebration of Advent.
Pastor Andrew
Here’s a little special Christmas treat for you! Click the link!
This last Sunday night we started the lighting of the advent wreath at Oxygen. It’s wonderful to explore some of the older church traditions together. Several weeks ago I was asked what we were planning on doing for the Christmas season at Oxygen. It got me thinking about all kinds of great traditions I have been exposed to throughout my life and advent has by far had the greatest meaning.
My earliest memories of Advent come from time spent at my Grand Parents country church in Washington. I can remember singing songs and the pastor reading some scripture those were all the normal things we did each week at church. After a few more songs an older couple stood up from the front row and read a poem about hope followed by a prayer asking God to help us be a people and thanking Him for the hope he gave in the birth of his son the Christ. So being a little boy anytime there was fire involved my interest was sparked. The ride home in my Grandpa’s old farm truck was full of question from me about the candles and the lighting and the wreath. I was very concerned that they had forgotten to put out the candle, but once those fears were squelched my Grandpa began explaining. He told me about the three purple candles. The first standing for Hope then Love and Peace. Then the pink candle to represent the Joy brought through Christ. The center candle being a white candle showing Christ as the center. All of the candles as part of an evergreen wreath to stand for the unchanging nature of God. It was allot for a little guy to take in but even then it I greatly enjoyed the Advent tradition.
Looking back at my own love of Advent it was an easy choice as a way for us at Oxygen to experience this Christmas season together. I hope that if your reading this and have not been part of the advent tradition in the past that perhaps you will explore this for yourself. It’s an easy tradition to learn about with a quick Google or two. Or if you are part of the Oxygen group or you are in college or college aged (18 – 26) then come by this coming Sunday night @ 7pm in the youth room here at Shoreline and join us for this celebration of Advent.
Pastor Andrew
Here’s a little special Christmas treat for you! Click the link!
