Hope

A Note from the Pastor…
Every year following Thanksgiving, my little home church (Noels Chapel First Church of God) would celebrate “Advent.” Our women’s group, then called the Women of the Church of God (or missionary ladies for short), would have a different member stand before the congregation and read a prepared script about hope, love, joy, peace, and always about Christ. They would then light a candle each week representing each Sunday of Advent. At the end of Advent, we always took up an offering called “Christ Birthday Offering” which was taken to help the work of missionaries across the globe.
I must admit, I didn’t really understand the true significance of our tradition at my little home church. It was part of our tradition at Christmas, but through my inattention, it had very little impact on my understanding of Christmas. However, the celebration of Advent is much bigger, (and older) than the few candles the ladies at my church lit. Scholars believe Advent celebrations began as early as the 4th or 5th century in Spain and have continued to spread and be celebrated around the world. Time nor space permits a full history or explanation of the tradition, but today we celebrate as we remember the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ and as we look forward to His Second Coming.
I want to thank our “missionary ladies” from Christian Women Connection for continuing to share the hope, love, joy, and peace so richly here at First Church of God. The Advent celebration of today not only provides an opportunity to “take us back,” but it serves to help us look forward to the glorious return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.
Pastor Chris
Rev. Christopher Murphy – 785-202-1119
christopherjmurphy1@gmail.com