Welcome to this week’s edition of Weekly Words From Randoon …

REFLECTIONS ON – “Advent Week 2”

Today is the second week of the Advent Season. One of the more commonly preached texts on this day is the one we chose at Sanctuary this morning. It is called Mary’s Song. Mary exalts God upon knowing she is with child – with a very special child. In Luke 1:47-55, Mary praises a God who is a Blesser, the one who silences the Opressor, the God who is Nearer than one could possibly imagine.

Mary’s song rings with humility and faith and expectation.

Mary’s Song prompts me to search my own heart and discover the song that I am singing. Am I singing the redemptive work of God through history, or am I going cute and sentimental with reindeer? Am I vocalizing lauds about the Light of the World, or about how nice the seasonal lights on my house look? About the Coming One, or about someone who is coming over to my place during the Holidays?

Now…I am not a total scrooge. I am not saying don’t enjoy family, friends, lights and festivities. But, what I am saying is that the visible cultural Christmas wants me to narrow my song to a diddy about family traditions and Americana.  But, inside beats a heart that longs to sing Mary’s Song.

An option for you and for me. Crack a Bible and leave it open to Luke 1:47-55 and read this beautiful piece of soul music from Mary’s very heart…and from the heart of God….over and over and over again….until it sticks.

It’s a great season we are a part of. ADVENT is gloriously full of hope, longing, expectation and warmth. Let’s bask in the real thing together!

NEWS FROM SANCTUARY –

Attendance: 90  Kids: 5  Offering: $3,000

Friday 12/14 @ St. Mark’s Cathedral 8-9pm URBAN HYMNAL featuring Mark Mohrlang and friends in a fantastic Advent worship event. Please join us for THE LONGEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR.

NEXT SUNDAY – 12/16 @ 7pm we host a very special ADVENT SPECIAL – Taproot Theatre Company’s “Christmas Past” plus music from Sanctuary’s band and some Christmas Readings. Tasty desserts also served.  BRING ALL YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS…!!!

Monday 12/24 @ 7pm – Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at Taproot Theatre. This will be a beautiful night of praise and meditation. Don’t miss it!

ALERT: We have a young missionary family setting up house in Seattle for the next year or so. They need some furnishings, food, baby supplies, etc. Want to help out? Get in touch with Mark Mohrlang mark.mohrlang@gmail.com

PRAYERS –

Lord, we pray for continued healing for Kathryn after her emergency appendicitis. Ease her pain and make her ready to care for her infant child.

God, we thank you for family and friend.

Jesus, we pray your blessing on Maile and Ozzie now that they have brought baby Nicholas into the world.

Holy Spirit, keep those who are lonely, hungry, homeless and otherwise on the margins safe and open our hearts to reach out and assist as we are able.

Father, give grace and attentiveness to students as they head into finals week and grant safe travel home for the holidays as well.

Now, my dear friends, GO OUT AND MAKE IT A GREAT WEEK!

Much love,

Dr. Randy L. Rowland

2854 NW 59th Street

Seattle, WA  98107

USA

206.953.0909

www.sanctuarycrc.org