The Fountain Newsletter: Dec 12 2019
The Fountain
The newsletter of the First Presbyterian Church of Hartsville.
A Note from Our Interim Pastor
Church, if you were here these past two Advent Sundays or watched online, you heard me say repeatedly that we are Advent people. We are the people who wait in hopeful expectation that Christ is coming, that the manger is being filled. We proclaim Hope, Peace, Joy and Love are breaking forth in our world and we join the outbreak. We stand in the hardest of times with one another and say, "God is coming, prepare the way." As I write this, as I reflect on the past year, I feel our church and our world desperately need Advent. We need the pause, we need the stillness, we need the counter-cultural reality that Advent provides. Friends, we are not defined by how glamorous our trees are or how spectacular our gifts are. This season reminds us we are defined by an angel with unsettling news, a young couple who say yes to God, rag tag shepherds, wisemen. We are defined by the grit and humanness of our God who proclaims over us that we are God’s beloved. God never proclaims perfection, but rather that "I am with you." As we walk towards the manager may God open our eyes to see the angels in our midst who proclaim God is coming, prepare the way. As we wander to the manager may we be the angels who proclaim to others God is coming, prepare the way. Church, whether we are prepared or not God is coming so let us, slow down. Be quiet. Advent is here. We don’t want to miss it.
My family was blown away by the children’s play on Sunday. Well done to all the kids, directors and parents who made it possible. The spirit was here Sunday night and it was a gift to be a part of it.
A few of you asked me to post the lyrics to the hymn Lydia sang on Sunday. Below you will see the lyrics arranged by Audrey Assad. Church, I am thankful to be your pastor this season. You are a reminder of God’s goodness and grace. Let us walk to the manger.
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord
You are speaking truth to power, you are laying down our swords Replanting every vineyard til a brand new wine is poured Your peace will make us one.
I've seen you in our home fires burning with a quiet light; You are mothering and feeding in the wee hours of the night. Your gentle love is patient, you will never fade or tire.
Your peace will make us one.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Your peace will make us one.
In the beauty of the lilies you were born across the sea
With a glory in your bosom that is still transfiguring Dismantling our empires til each one of us is free
Your peace will make us one.
Blessings,
Ashley