I Believe Even When…

Posted By Communications on Nov 17, 2020 | 1 comment


Advent & Christmas 2020


This Advent and Christmas we will seek to fill the world with music and light and love. The history of humanity is fraught with pain, as we have seen too well in 2020. Some of that pain came accompanied by fear that led to oppression and violence of one people against another. This was also the world into which Jesus was born, and through which his teachings would challenge and call for transformation. The opening words of an anonymous Jewish poet, “I believe in the sun, even when the sun is not shining,” were scrawled on a wall during the Holocaust. This poem, made into a song, is our theme for this season, calling us to examine our own fears that can lead to division. The power of story (from Isaiah and each of the four Gospels) and the beauty of music will call us to a different response than the world—transformation and reconciliation through hope, love, joy and peace. This Advent and Christmas, let us fill the world with music, light and love, and affirm and act on the reasons why we can still ‘believe, even when’ we are discouraged.

Advent 1, November 29—“I Believe in the Sun: Hope for Tomorrow”

                        Isaiah 40:1-11 & Mark 1:1-15

Advent 2, December 6—“I Believe in Love: Daring Right Relationship”

                        Isaiah 7:1-14 & Matthew 1:1-25 ~ Holy Communion

Advent 3: December 13—“I Believe in God: Ode to Joy”

                        Isaiah 57:14-19 & Luke 1:1-4, 26-56

Advent 4: December 20—“I Believe in the Light: Illuminating Peace”

                        Isaiah 9:2-7 & John 1:1-18

Christmas Eve: December 24—“We Believe, Even Now”

                        Isaiah 52:7-10 & Luke 2:1-20

Christmas 1: December 27—“Believe This: The Time Has Come”

                        Isaiah 61:10-62:3 & Luke 2:22-40

Children’s Time! Along with learning through the song “This Little Light of Mine,” for the Sunday’s of Advent, we will also have visits from St. Paul’s amazing Camel!! Each Friday, the all-church email will include hints as to where our camel has wandered to in our building. On Sunday in Children’s Time, Pastor Teressa will reveal where our lovely camel is spending time for the week. Also check for hints in the Facebook group, SPUMC Families.

The candles of Advent will be lit at the close of each service. If worshiping from home, you are invited to have your Advent wreath and candles nearby. Advent candles are available for pick up at the church (sign up for our semi-weekly emails for details).

1 Comment

  1. I look forward to this series.

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