December 21, 2024
Hello Glenbrook,
We are less than a week away until Christmas! Wow, I cannot believe how time is flying by. In the last week, we had an absolutely amazing time at Glenbrook with our Senior’s Christmas Luncheon and our Christmas Concert. The amount of work and love and dedication that was put into bringing those events to life fills me with such love for this community. Next week, I will be in the office on Tuesday (Christmas Eve) for the day, but the office will be closed for the rest of the week! Let’s pray for good weather as many folks are travelling quite a lot in the coming days.
This coming Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Advent - Love. In the chaos and uncertainty of our reality, God’s love continues to lead forward. This love is our call, our anchor, and our certain guide. In the middle point of Advent, we pause to reflect on this reminder of God’s love for us and our call to love others in return.
In addition to the love candle, churches will light the white candle at the center of the wreath on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve. In Glenbrook’s case, we will be lighting it on Christmas Eve. The white tends to symbolize Christ’s purity, showing Christ’s blamelessness. We do have to keep in mind that churches can vary on candle colors, and not everyone chooses to light a white candle for Christ.
Not surprisingly, the Christ candle represents Christ and the role he plays in the Christmas story. Jesus brought light into the world through his arrival on earth as a baby. We cannot be Christians without Christ and without love. Otherwise, our works and our purpose on earth are for nothing. We need Christ and Christ’s love to share the Good News of salvation throughout the earth.
Christ connects all the Advent candles. Through him, we can have hope, peace, joy, and love. Without him, why have any of those things? Christ steps down into darkness to light the world (John 8:12). Because of him, we can be a light unto others, showing them the true meaning of Christmas.
Christmas Eve Service - 6:30pm
Our annual Christmas Eve Service will be held on Tuesday, December 24th at 6:30pm in the sanctuary. Please invite your friends and family to come join us for this evening service to praise the imminent coming of our Lord.
Christmas Day Service - 11:00am
If you are joining us on Christmas Day to celebrate the birth of our Saviour, please note that the service will be held at 11:00am in the Sanctuary on Wednesday, December 25th. We wish you a very blessed Christmas!
Wendell Adjetey’s “The Agenda” Interview
Many of you may remember our dear friend from many years ago who was a part of our Glenbrook youth and community for quite a long time. Wendell earned his Ph.D., M.Phil., and M.A. at Yale University in the Department of History and Department of African American Studies. At the University of Toronto, he earned his honors B.A. in History and Political Science (University of St. Michael’s College), and M.A. in Political Science and Ethnic, Immigration, and Pluralism Studies.
Since then, he has been teaching everyone from youth from gang intervention projects to Yale College and Harvard College. Recently, he has published a book; "Cross-Border Cosmopolitans: The Making of a Pan-African North America" In this, he explores how Pan-African thought spread through North America in the twentieth century. This week, Wendell did an absolutely fascinating interview on The Agenda. If you are interested in watching, we have the link for you here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Dn3Yf33offg
Upcoming Local Christmas Events
A Charlie Brown Christmas - December 22nd
In 1965, jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi composed original music for what would become the most popular televised Christmas special ever. Come hear the soundtrack from the iconic Charlie Brown Christmas, led by pianist/vocalist Carmen Spada and his trio, as well as featured guests performing “Christmas Time is Here,” “Skating,” and the famous “Linus & Lucy.” Get tickets for $29 to see B-Jazzed perform at Meadowvale Theatre!
https://www.mississauga.ca/events-and-attractions/events-calendar/a-charlie-brown-christmas/?eventdate=2024-12-22T14%3A00%3A00&schedule=16863
December Schedule of Volunteers
Please let me know if there are any dates which I need to change or move for you 😊 If you would like to join the volunteer team even once every few months, let me know!
Service for the Fourth Sunday of Advent - December 22nd 2024
Please note that all services will be available on the SAME link each time. So click on the link below to watch all services live with us.
https://www.youtube.com/c/GlenbrookPresbyterian/live
Scripture Reading: Micah 5:2-5a
Luke 1:39-55
Message: "Advent: A Time of Wonder & Worship"
Pastor Ian McWhinnie
