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A Guest Post by Grant and Colleen

We are now approaching the fourth Sunday of Advent and it is tempting to believe that the journey is almost over: after all, Christmas is just a few days away, excitement is building and most of us are busier that we would like to be. This is a time of joy and celebration as families and friends come together to celebrate the incarnation: God who lived as a human being among us. While we rejoice in this festive time however, it is important to remember that we are only beginning our journey towards Easter and whether we realise it or not, Easter is the reason why Christmas is important. Our Advent journey will not end until we have moved through all the stages of the liturgical year: until we too reach the cross and the empty tomb, do our own letting go at the ascension, and open ourselves to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. This liturgical journey will repeat itself over and over until our early pilgrimage is complete and we take the final step into the loving presence of God. Advent has given us time to wait in hope: Christmas gives us spiritual light to see by. The journey of faith continues.

Creator, in my pilgrimage today,
Give me the joy of journeying.
Give me pleasure on the path,
Show me wonders on the way.
And guide me to your glory.

I ask your eye to watch over me,
I seek your hand to defend me,
I desire your love to enfold me,
I need your power to protect me,
And guide me to your glory.

Let your light lead me always,
Grant me of your goodness and grace,
Forgive my foolishness and frailty,
Heat my heart with your love,
And Guide me to your glory.

                             David Adam

John 10.9-10

Jesus said, "I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."