Pender UMC Contemporary Worship Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 11:15 am

Join us for a special Sunday service on December 3 as we celebrated the First Sunday in Advent. Pastor Bruce's sermon, delivered on the first Sunday of Advent, focused on the themes of light, darkness, and waiting in anticipation of God's intervention. He began by acknowledging the busyness of the holiday season and the importance of pausing to worship. The sermon drew on cultural references, such as the movie "Christmas Vacation," to illustrate our human attempts to create light and joy, often resulting in frustration and emptiness. The pastor then shifted to a more somber reflection on global events, specifically mentioning the Israeli Defense Forces' actions in Gaza and the resurgence of antisemitism. This led to a discussion of Hanukkah, its historical background, and its significance as a symbol of hope amid darkness. The sermon also included a detailed examination of Isaiah 64:1-9, portraying it as a communal lament expressing deep longing for God's presence and acknowledgment of human unfaithfulness. Pastor Bruce emphasized the importance of recognizing our own darkness and the need for God's light. In conclusion, Pastor Bruce related these themes to Advent, a time of waiting and preparation for Christ's coming. He encouraged the congregation to seek hope and light in Jesus Christ, rather than in worldly efforts or distractions. The sermon ended with a call to worship and embrace the true hope of the world in Jesus, signified by the lighting of candles and the singing of "Have Thine Own Way, Lord." Advent, derived from the Latin word "adventus" meaning "coming" or "visit," is a season imbued with anticipation and reflection, marking the commencement of the Christian liturgical year. Spanning four Sundays leading up to Christmas and culminating on Christmas Eve, Advent is a time of spiritual preparation, where Christians across the world ready their hearts for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. This season is a journey through time—honoring the deep yearning of Jews for a Messiah and our own profound need for forgiveness, salvation, and a fresh start. Advent is a duality of celebration: it commemorates the historical birth of Jesus in a modest Bethlehem stable while simultaneously looking forward to the second coming of Christ, fulfilling the promises of the first. During this vibrant service, Pender's Contemporary Praise Band uplifted the congregation with an inspiring selection of songs that beautifully blended the joyous spirit of the season with heartfelt worship. Their repertoire included: **"Joy to the World/Joy of the Lord"**: A lively mash-up that combined the traditional Christmas carol "Joy to the World" with the contemporary worship song "Joy of the Lord," creating an energetic celebration of Christ's birth and the enduring joy found in faith. **"O Come All Ye Faithful"**: A classic hymn inviting everyone to join in a joyful and triumphant acknowledgment of the nativity. **"Change My Heart, God"**: A reflective, prayerful song asking for divine transformation and guidance, adding a contemplative depth to the worship experience. **"Angels We Have Heard on High"**: The band brought to life this beloved carol, known for its soaring chorus 'Gloria', which joyfully recounts the angelic announcement of Jesus' birth. **"Joy of the Lord" (Reprise)**: Revisiting this uplifting tune, the band reinforced its message of finding strength and joy in the Lord, a theme resonating deeply during the Advent season. Through this diverse mix of music, the band led the congregation in a worship experience that was both rejuvenating and spiritually enriching. Read the Sunday Bulletin at https://penderumc.org/live/ All of Pender's services are streamed live and in person. Masks are currently optional. Join us live at Pender UMC 12401 Alder Woods Drive, Fairfax, VA US 22033