As it is every year at this time, we become busy preparing our homes and families for Christmas. It is a time for many of shopping, get-together, baking and decorating.
With much of our time and energy going to parties, shopping for gifts, and traveling, we have no capacity left to focus our hearts on the true meaning of Christmas. For many by the time Christmas rolls around, we become so exhausted mentally and physically that we often lose sight of the real heart of the season. However, for those of Christian faith who celebrate Christmas, it is an opportunity to draw our hearts and faith closer to Christ by asking ourselves, “what are we doing to prepare our hearts? “
While the world pushes for Christmas to arrive early, The Community of St. Luke’s Smithville offers our neighbours an opportunity to slow down and wait as we journey through Advent. Rather then being a countdown to Christmas, Advent is a season of expectation and preparation.
The flame from the candles we light each week on our Advent wreath each week, are a reminder of the transformative power hope can bring to the world, regardless of our faith our beliefs. Hope is the assurance that a Higher Power is with us in both joyful and challenging times. It is the belief that a Higher Power’s light can pierce through even the darkest moments, turning despair into joy and darkness into light. This hope, should uplift our spirits, reminding us that we are never alone.
Our community, like society in general, faces challenges and uncertainties in these times. However, the Community of St. Luke’s strives to be a beacon of light for one another, reaching out in love and support, as Christ has called us to do. Our mission is to bring hope to those who feel lost or alone, reminding them they are never forgotten and that love is always within reach. With the grace and compassion that are the foundations of our faith, we serve those in need by nurturing one another and welcoming all those of faith and of none, regardless of belief culture or identity.
We look forward to seeing you at St. Luke’s this Advent season!