 This week at Light in the Hills we mark a wonderful milestone in the life of our parish as we celebrate 75 years of worship at St Michael and All Angels Church Kalorama. As a congregation St Michael's goes back even further and probably began as a house church in about 1903 which is the same year as our other church St Matthew's Olinda opened. As we celebrate we give thanks for the many many faithful people who over so many years have given witness to the power, presence and love of God in our mountain community. In Psalm 25 the psalmist writes... "You will show the right path to all who worship you. " My prayer for us as a Parish is that we would continue to follow that pathway as we bear witness to the light and love of God in this place. Many people have been overwhelmed by the events of the past week that were triggered by the terrorist attack on Paris last week but Jesus reminds us that in the face of events like this that we should be encouraged as our redemption draws ever nearer. "Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21.28) Built in the height of the second world war, 1940 too was a time when many people must have despaired and wondered what was to become of the world. The image from the book of Revelation, of St Michael and All the Angels, from which this church gets it's name was chosen as a sign of hope and a reminder to the local community that God has already defeated evil and that his love will always prevail. Today also marks the beginning of Advent and our Gospel reading reminds us to be watchful and ready for Christ to come again. Advent is about so much more than just preparing for Christmas. In Advent we are reminded that ultimately we are waiting for Christ to come again and of our need to be faithful, to keep our hearts open and ready to meet our coming King. As we wait for Christ to come again may we as a church continue to shine out as a beacon of God's hope and love that others may come to worship him and find the path to eternal life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him." (John 3.16-17) Till next time... Andrew ReadingsOld Testament Jeremiah 33.14-16
Psalm 25.1-10 Epistle 1 Thessalonians 3.9-13 Gospel Luke 21.25-38 download our latest pew sheet download this weeks sermon Comments are closed.
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Rev. Andrew SmithVicar of Light in the Hills |