Advent // Love

As we officially begin our countdown to Christmas at Refuge, we’re excited to launch an Advent series focused on rediscovering and celebrating the core values of this sacred season. The first theme we’re exploring is Love, a fundamental aspect of the Christmas story and our faith.

This year, we start our Advent journey with Love, not just as a sentiment, but as a transformative force that redefines our interactions and existence. Love, as exemplified by the birth and life of Jesus, is about selflessness, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to the wellbeing of others. It’s a love that challenges us to look beyond ourselves and extend compassion, understanding, and kindness to those around us.

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝘼𝙙𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩?

Advent is like a countdown to Christmas for Christians. It starts four Sundays before Christmas and is a time of reflection and celebration leading up to Love’s arrival on earth. It is often marked by a lighting of a candle each Sunday before Christmas Day.

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙙𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙨?

Love, Hope, Joy, and Peace. Some Churches or denominations will celebrate Faith instead of Love. But this year Refuge has decided to celebrate 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚!

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙤, 𝙜𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙤, 𝙜𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙤 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙩?

Well, as the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians, ʟᴏᴠᴇ ɪꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ɢʀᴇᴀᴛᴇꜱᴛ! So, no matter what we say, what believe, and what we do, it’s empty without love. The Christmas season doesn’t mean anything without love.

This year, we aim to untangle the knots in our hearts and minds caused by the stressors and expectations of the holiday season. Our goal is to create a space for everyone to pause, breathe, and reflect on the exciting story of Christmas!