Advent 2022

God Draws Near — Advent 2022

The word Advent is derived from the Latin word Adventus, meaning ‘arrival’.  It is a season of the liturgical year observed in many Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting for and focusing on God’s arrival.  It culminates in the celebration of Christmas.

God draws near to humanity in three historical moments: when God the Son was born in the flesh in Bethlehem; when God’s Holy Spirit comes to live inside believers; and when the Lord one day returns in glory.  

Each week’s Advent service will be accompanied by the lighting of a candle to help us ponder the Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace that Christ brings.  Then, on Christmas Day, we will light the final candle and contemplate on Jesus’ birth.

As we seek 2walk2gether as a church, may we experience anew a God who draws near and walks together with us.

 

Speaker: Ian Ma
Scripture: Matthew 1:18-24
Date: 2022-12-25

Matthew 1:18-24-9 (NIV)

Joseph Accepts Jesus as His Son

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

Speaker: Ian Ma
Scripture: Philippians 4:6-9
Date: 2022-12-18

Philippians 4:6-9 (NIV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Speaker: Ian Ma
Scripture: Luke 15:11-32
Date: 2022-12-11

Luke 15:11-32 (NIV)

The Parable of the Lost Son

11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

Speaker: Guest
Scripture: Mark 14:4-9
Date: 2022-12-04

Mark 14:3-9 (NIV)

While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.

Speaker: Ian Ma
Scripture: Mark 5:21-43
Date: 2022-11-27

Mark 5:21-43 (NIV)

Jesus Raises a Dead Girl and Heals a Sick Woman

21 When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. 22 Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. 23 He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” 24 So Jesus went with him.