Greetings From Pastor Lyn
Dear People,
Advent began on Sunday, November 28. This year our mid-week services will happen online. You are invited to go to the Advent video prepared by the choir on our YouTube channel or Facebook page via the links on our Home page here. There find Holden Evening Prayer for your Advent meditation. This Advent, we’re focusing on creation and especially trees along with a meditative practice using our five senses. The first session relies upon breathing. Breathe in the smells of nature, breathe out anxiety, frustration or fear.
Advent Blessings,
Pastor Lyn
Advent Week one: Garden of Eden
Genesis 2:9: Out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
We first hear of trees in the creation stories in Genesis. There were a lot of trees but two important trees in that garden. Along with the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, there was “every tree that was delightful to look at and good for food, with the tree of life in the middle of the garden” (Gen. 2:9). Right there, near the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, was the tree of life. Not much is said about this tree — except that God expels Adam and Eve before they can get their hands on it. God said nothing about eating from this tree until Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit.
We don’t know for sure the type of trees referenced in the creation story and we don’t know what type of fruit was picked either – (maybe a fig?) – it doesn’t matter. The Bible only says “fruit.” However, some curious individuals propose the tree of life & tree of good/evil could have been a “lign-aloe” or a plum tree, both known for their fragrance.
This first week of Advent notice the fragrance – the smell - of trees. What do the smells remind you of – a memory of Advent/Christmas past, a vacation in the woods, a childhood tree house, etc.? Allow these memories to move aside anxiety as you breathe in creation’s refreshing fragrance.
PRAYER:
God of beginning and ending, Alpha & Omega stir our hearts & minds this season to remember your first Advent and anticipation of your next, when all anxiety will be gone & all things will be made new. Let the fragrance of trees & other growing things calm us throughout this season of waiting. It is in your name we pray.
Amen
Advent began on Sunday, November 28. This year our mid-week services will happen online. You are invited to go to the Advent video prepared by the choir on our YouTube channel or Facebook page via the links on our Home page here. There find Holden Evening Prayer for your Advent meditation. This Advent, we’re focusing on creation and especially trees along with a meditative practice using our five senses. The first session relies upon breathing. Breathe in the smells of nature, breathe out anxiety, frustration or fear.
Advent Blessings,
Pastor Lyn
Advent Week one: Garden of Eden
Genesis 2:9: Out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
We first hear of trees in the creation stories in Genesis. There were a lot of trees but two important trees in that garden. Along with the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, there was “every tree that was delightful to look at and good for food, with the tree of life in the middle of the garden” (Gen. 2:9). Right there, near the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, was the tree of life. Not much is said about this tree — except that God expels Adam and Eve before they can get their hands on it. God said nothing about eating from this tree until Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit.
We don’t know for sure the type of trees referenced in the creation story and we don’t know what type of fruit was picked either – (maybe a fig?) – it doesn’t matter. The Bible only says “fruit.” However, some curious individuals propose the tree of life & tree of good/evil could have been a “lign-aloe” or a plum tree, both known for their fragrance.
This first week of Advent notice the fragrance – the smell - of trees. What do the smells remind you of – a memory of Advent/Christmas past, a vacation in the woods, a childhood tree house, etc.? Allow these memories to move aside anxiety as you breathe in creation’s refreshing fragrance.
PRAYER:
God of beginning and ending, Alpha & Omega stir our hearts & minds this season to remember your first Advent and anticipation of your next, when all anxiety will be gone & all things will be made new. Let the fragrance of trees & other growing things calm us throughout this season of waiting. It is in your name we pray.
Amen