Isaiah once promised that people who have walked in darkness will see a great light (Isa 9:2). That line has been staying with me as we move toward Advent. It acknowledges that darkness comes and weariness settles in. But it also promises that God meets us there. We don’t have to chase sparks or manufacture joy. The Holy Spirit already burns among us, offering light for what has grown weary and warmth for what has gone cold.
That’s what Kindled means for us this Advent. Each Sunday we’ll move through the traditional virtues of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love, watching how God’s light takes hold in ordinary lives. The question Advent asks is whether we’ll notice the light, tend it and share it.
This year’s preparation looks different because you asked for it to be different. During the congregational engagement process, people said they wanted to hear more testimonies, to feel more connected, to know how God is at work in the lives of people sitting around them. So we invited you to write. Twenty-five of you responded with stories of renewal, struggle, grace and faithfulness. I’ve read every one of them. Some made me laugh. A few made me cry. All of them reminded me why I love this church. You can pick up an Advent devotional booklet at church or receive daily email updates by contacting info@yateschurch.org.
Worship begins November 30 with Awakened Light, the Sunday of Hope. Paul tells the Romans the night is far gone and the day is near (Rom 13:11-12). We’ll start worship in near darkness and light the first candle as Isaiah’s call is read by multiple voices. It’s a small light in a wide darkness, but that’s how every Advent begins. With one flame. With one yes to watching for what God is already doing.
December 7 brings us Fire in the Wilderness, the Sunday of Peace. John the Baptist shows up in the Gospel reading, rough and unpolished, calling people to repentance (Matt 3:1-12). That same Sunday we’ll witness the baptism of Curt Ash. New beginnings like this are always powerful testimonies of God’s ongoing work. Baptism reminds us that God finishes what God starts (Phil 1:6). The fire that burns away what clutters the heart also warms what has gone cold.
Throughout December we’re collecting contributions for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Global Missions Offering and the International Mission Board’s Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Your gifts matter because the work of the gospel travels beyond one sanctuary or one season.
On December 12, Yates hosts the Red Cross blood drive in the Fellowship Hall from 1 to 6 p.m. Even if you can’t give blood, you can support donors through prayer, thank-you notes or homemade treats for the canteen. I know blood drives don’t usually make it into Advent devotionals, but maybe they should. Someone’s life might depend on what happens in our fellowship hall that afternoon.
December 14 is Joy Rekindled, the third Sunday of Advent. Isaiah 35 promises that the wilderness will blossom and weary hearts will be made strong. That evening we gather for our Christmas music celebration, Heaven’s Greatest Gift. Over forty singers and our full orchestra will lead us in worship that draws from every corner of Yates’ musical taste. If you’ve ever wondered whether we can hold classical and contemporary in the same room without starting a committee meeting, this is your proof. Invite someone who needs to hear good news sung with conviction and beauty. After worship, the Hospitality Committee has prepared space for our annual Christmas Cookie reception in the Fellowship Hall. Bring your favorite homemade recipes.
The fourth Sunday of Advent, December 21, is The Ember of Promise. Matthew tells the story of Joseph, who learned that love endures the quiet test of trust (Matt 1:18-25). That same afternoon our orchestra travels to Glenaire Continuing Care Retirement Community to lead a musical Vespers service. If you’d like to come and sing, you’re welcome. Love that stays put isn’t really love. It has to move.
Christmas Eve arrives on Wednesday, December 24, at 5 p.m. We’ll gather for candlelight communion and meditative worship. The waiting ends. The light breaks open the night. We light the Christ candle and remember that God’s love has come to stay.
The Sunday after Christmas we’ll share a potluck during the Sunday School hour. Bring your family, come as you are, bring your favorite breakfast treat. Some of you will still be in your pajamas under your coats. That’s fine. We’ve all been there.
Here’s what I keep coming back to. Advent is about noticing that God has already kindled something among us. The testimonies you’ve written prove it. Curt’s baptism proves it. The music we’ll sing and the blood we’ll give and the cookies we’ll share all prove it. God is still at work. Our job is to tend the light, protect it and share it, so that together we might see the world more clearly in its glow.
Grace and peace,