This Sunday, we gathered together with our friends at Tsawwassen Alliance Church and Tsawwassen Chinese Ministry for a joint Christmas Service, where we walked through the full story of God’s plan of salvation in the world.

It was in the depths of darkest night when it happened. The fire they had lit to keep them warm had calmed to a cool ember. The sheep were close at hand, and everything was quiet. Into this dark, cold night – in the fields, far from town – an angel appeared, trumpeting good news of great joy. The Messiah was born!

But before there was ever a manger or a donkey, the pregnant virgin or the angel – before any of these things could become good news, God’s people were found waiting.

As we continue our journey through Advent, Rob Collis preaches from Luke 1.39-55, where we learn about Mary’s encounter with Elizabeth, and how Mary became the first person to really hear and receive the Christmas message – It was the message that God is coming to earth, to be God with us. And as she came to understand this message, she couldn’t keep it in: She burst into song. It was the first song about Christmas – the very first Christmas carol. In this sermon, Rob explores the back story to Mary’s Christmas Carol, and unpacks what Mary actually sings about.

It was in the depths of darkest night when it happened. The fire they had lit to keep them warm had calmed to a cool ember. The sheep were close at hand, and everything was quiet. Into this dark, cold night – in the fields, far from town – an angel appeared, trumpeting good news of great joy. The Messiah was born!

But before there was ever a manger or a donkey, the pregnant virgin or the angel – before any of these things could become good news, God’s people were found waiting.

As we continue our journey through Advent, Rob Collis preaches from Matthew 3.1-12. As he explores the question, “How do we prepare ourselves spiritually for Christmas?” he turns to the ministry of John the Baptist, who came to prepare the way for the Lord.

It was in the depths of darkest night when it happened. The fire they had lit to keep them warm had calmed to a cool ember. The sheep were close at hand, and everything was quiet. Into this dark, cold night – in the fields, far from town – an angel appeared, trumpeting good news of great joy. The Messiah was born!

But before there was ever a manger or a donkey, the pregnant virgin or the angel – before any of these things could become good news, God’s people were found waiting.

As we begin our journey through Advent, today Rob Collis preaches from Isaiah 9.1-7. As we listen to the prophet Isaiah, he helps us see ourselves and our world through God’s eyes, as he makes us stare into the darkness. But he doesn’t leave us there. He helps us to live in the unshakable hope of those who have seen the light – and who know and await the dawn.