Advent Hope - Art and Soul 13

A reflection by our Curate Stephanie Wood, with a beautiful rendition of a Christmas Song by Sarah McLachlan

When I was a lay server at The Anglican Church of St. Peter, Quamichan, one of my favourite ministries was to proclaim the Gospel story of Jesus’ birth for our First Communion of Christmas. 

It was in these early days of service, and during my discernment journey, that I learned how to hope with joyful anticipation for the coming of our Messiah.  Every year when I’d read the Gospel story of Jesus’ birth, I’d feel always feel so hopeful and comforted.

"In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
   and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’  "   Luke Chapter 2vv.8-14