The Final Week of Advent

As we enter the final week of Advent, a bittersweet excitement wells up within me. Amid the flurry of tasks on my to-do list, I find myself craving moments of quiet worship. For me, this season of waiting is more than just tradition; it’s a sacred time for rest and reflection. Now, more than ever, it feels essential to embrace the spirit of worship during this season of hope and anticipation.

I’m particularly looking forward to this year’s Christmas Eve services. The 5:00 service will be a delightful, child-friendly embrace of the classic Lessons and Carols, serving up traditional carols intertwined with interactive storytelling. It’s sure to bring a bit of joyful chaos that allows the laughter and energy of Christmas to fill the sanctuary.

Reflecting on my own childhood, I cherish the memories of attending the 11:00 PM Lessons and Carols service with my family, a cherished tradition that culminated in the soft glow of candlelight as we sang “Silent Night.” Those moments wrapped in warmth and community as the clock struck midnight still hold a special place in my heart. While I dream of hosting a late late service at Parkdale, I recognize that for many, including my family, a later gathering may not hold the same appeal. So instead, we will honour that beloved tradition with a service at 8:00 PM.

Yet, as I immerse myself in the preparations, I remain deeply aware that not everyone feels the joy and festivity of the Christmas season. For some, this season carries the weight of grief, loneliness, or pain. It’s in these tender moments of darkness that the Advent themes of love, peace, joy, and hope become all the more significant—echoing the profound message of Jesus’ birth.

As we approach the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, we’re reminded of the deep, sometimes heavy, yet ultimately hopeful nature of this season. If you are navigating difficult emotions this year, I warmly invite you to attend our Longest Night service on Saturday, December 21, at 7:00 PM at Scarboro United Church. This service provides a sacred space for us to acknowledge and reflect upon the darkness in our lives, allowing the light of Christ to illuminate our deepest struggles.

In the stillness of this night, we will hold space for those who are hurting, mourning, or burdened by life’s challenges. Together, we affirm that God’s love is ever-present, even in our darkest moments. Peace may seem elusive, yet it remains within our reach, reminding us that Christ came to bring peace to a world in need. Joy, too, can emerge even from the quiet, unexpected corners of our lives—an assurance that we are never alone. Hope, that profound light that guides us, shines brightest when we need it most, leading us through the darkness toward the promise of Christ’s coming.

In our Longest Night service, we’ll experience a beautiful paradox: by facing the shadows, we draw closer to the light. As we hold vigil together, we will remember that even the longest night will give way to dawn. The light of Christ continually breaks into our world, bringing with it the promise of new beginnings.

Wherever you are on your Advent journey, I hope you have come to believe that the love, peace, joy, and hope of Advent are more than just comforting words—they are promises enfleshed in the child born in Bethlehem.

Blessings

Rev. Kim.

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