First story: like last year, we are offering a joint Christmas worship service with Nashua Baptist Church. Nashua Baptist Church has given us a place to worship for many years. There were times in the past when we had to work together to overcome the cultural and linguistic differences. However, what brought us together despite our differences was God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. During this Christmas time, I believe that just coming together and worshiping with each other alone will glorify God.
130 years ago, American churches devoted themselves to the people of Chosun. We are the fruits grown from the seed of the Gospel and love that the American churches had planted. I pray that God’s grace will lead this service not only to glorify God but also bring our hearts together. Let’s seek first, the thankful hearts to the American churches.
During the joint worship, I hope our such hearts will be conveyed to the Nashua Baptist Church. Many Koreans seemed to have tendency to make a serious face when we hear the “blah, blah, blah” of English. I am not talking about others but about myself ^^. Even if we don’t understand, we should still start off by smiling. When communicating, what is more important than the language is the heart. I hope that everyone tries to show our hearts during the service.
Of course, the space will be crowded when two churches come together, and there will be some awkwardness because of the cultural and linguistic difference. However, I believe that the joy will outweigh any such inconvenience. Even though our skin colors, culture and languages are different, the God we experience and serve is the same. I believe that during this service we can taste the praise of heaven where every nation, ethnicity and group of people worship God together.
Second story: Advent is one of the seasons of Christianity. Many churches distinguish and honor the four weeks leading up to the Christmas as Advent. The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning ‘coming’. It is the season of remembrance for the ‘coming of Jesus’. It is also the ‘season of expectant waiting’. During this time, churches wait for the two things. First, they prepare their hearts waiting for Christmas which celebrates the birth of Jesus 2000 years ago, the first coming of Jesus. Second, they wait while preparing their hearts with faith for another coming of Jesus, the second coming of Jesus.
Each Sunday of Advent, they light one candle. These candles symbolize the hope of Jesus who came as light in the time of darkness. It also symbolizes the faithfulness of God who keeps his promise, and the joy that comes from it. And it is the symbol of purification and grace that cleanse our soul. They place five candles including the one for Christmas day, and light up one candle each week waiting for Jesus. I pray that this season becomes the time in our hearts where such candle is lit one by one.
From pastor Choi, Jin-Won
꿈 같은 그림