Tag: dementia-friendly resources

The Advent of Jesus

The Advent of Jesus

Alice

The Advent of Jesus

On Christmas Eve, the moment we have been waiting for has finally arrived!  We light the Christ candle to celebrate the birth of Jesus, Lord of Lords, King of Kings, and Saviour of All. 

As we light the Christ candle, we think of the tiny innocent divine human born into the most humble of circumstances.  Praised and adored, vulnerable and helpless, he was a paradox of power and peace personified.  The incarnation of God, dwelling with us.  The light of the world, whose birth was heralded by the light of a brilliant star.  The lamb of God, swaddled tenderly and protectively.  The Saviour of all who loved us enough to carry the burden of humanity, suffering profoundly and giving his human life for us, in order to make a way to eternal life.  Thanks be to God!   

The video below shares a liturgy for lighting the Candle of Love and provides a space and time to think about what Love means to us.  The video allows a few moments to consider, but feel free to pause the video if you want to take more time to contemplate.  If you are watching with others, please pause and take time to share with one another about what Jesus means to you. 

If you would like to read the liturgy yourself, a document can be accessed here:  Advent Jesus – 2 readers

This Christmas, may your heart be filled with gladness and thanksgiving!  May the light of the Christ candle shine into your heart at this pivotal moment, as the season of Advent comes to a close, and we begin the season of Christmas.  May the warmth of candle glow inspire you to let your own God-given light shine in the world through thoughtful acts of kindness.  May each of us feel connected through the mysterious power of the Holy Spirit, replete in the knowledge that we are part of the family of God.  May God bless you today and always!

If you would like to see the video, or read the liturgy, for the first Sunday of Advent, you can find it here.

If you would like to see the video, or read the liturgy, for the second Sunday of Advent, you can find it here.

If you would like to see the video, or read the liturgy, for the third Sunday of Advent, you can find it here.

If you would like to see the video, or read the liturgy, for the fourth Sunday of Advent, you can find it here.

 

Get in touch!

Let’s build something together.

God is weaving a tapestry of care
that connects all of us in Grace.
Come. Be part of it.

© sidebyside.care 2020

The Advent of Love

The Advent of Love

Alice

The Advent of Love

On the fourth Sunday of Advent, we celebrate the Love that God has for us and for all of creation.

As we light the candle of Love, we contemplate the way that God’s love is expressed in our lives through relationships, kindness, and caring; through acts of mercy and caring for strangers; through thoughtfulness and sacrifice.  This is a love that is not bound by space or time.  It is not weak or threadbare.  It is full and rich and it fills the air around us through the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Love itself is a powerful presence in our midst, even when we are not gathered together, and it transforms us from the inside out.  Love moves us beyond ourselves and empowers us to thrive despite great challenge.    

The video below shares a liturgy for lighting the Candle of Love and provides a space and time to think about what Love means to us.  The video allows a few moments to consider, but feel free to pause the video if you want to take more time to contemplate.  If you are watching with others, please pause and take time to share with one another about what Love means to you. 

If you would like to read the liturgy yourself, a document can be accessed here:  Advent Love – 2 readers

As we journey through this fourth week of Advent, may you feel the Love of God as a tangible presence surrounding you.  May that presence give you strength to overcome obstacles, and to withstand distance from those we long to gather with.  May your heart be full with love and light so that your life shines and inspires those around you.

 

If you would like to see the video, or read the liturgy, for the first Sunday of Advent, you can find it here.

If you would like to see the video, or read the liturgy, for the second Sunday of Advent, you can find it here.

If you would like to see the video, or read the liturgy, for the third Sunday of Advent, you can find it here.

Get in touch!

Let’s build something together.

God is weaving a tapestry of care
that connects all of us in Grace.
Come. Be part of it.

© sidebyside.care 2020

The Advent of Joy

The Advent of Joy

Alice

The Advent of Joy

Today, December 13, 2020, is the third Sunday of Advent.  The theme for this Sunday of Advent is Joy!

As part of our advent liturgy, we light the pink candle, the candle of Joy, and we contemplate the proclamation the angels made “to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah” (Luke 2:11) and all that means in our lives.  When life is filled with challenges it might be hard to access feelings of joy, but remembering that Jesus is “Emmanuel,” which means “God With Us” we have reason to rejoice!!!  No matter what we face, God IS with us. 

The video below shares a liturgy for lighting the Candle of Joy and provides a space and time to think about what Joy means to us.  The video allows a few moments to consider, but feel free to pause the video if you want to take more time to contemplate.  If you are watching with others, please pause and take time to share with one another about what Joy means to you. 

If you would like to read the liturgy yourself, a document can be accessed here:  Advent Joy – 2 readers

As we journey through this third week of Advent, may you experience effervescent joy that bubbles up in your heart and soul, bringing praise to your lips and inspiring you to sing with the angels”Glory to God in the Highest…” (Luke 2:14). 

If you would like to see the video, or read the liturgy, for the first Sunday of Advent, you can find it here.

If you would like to see the video, or read the liturgy, for the second Sunday of Advent, you can find it here.

Get in touch!

Let’s build something together.

God is weaving a tapestry of care
that connects all of us in Grace.
Come. Be part of it.

© sidebyside.care 2020

The Advent of Peace

The Advent of Peace

Alice

The Advent of Peace

Today, December 6, 2020, is the second Sunday of Advent.  The theme for the second Sunday of Advent is Peace.

As part of our advent liturgy, we light the candle of Peace, and we contemplate the coming celebration of the birth of the Christ child.  Our experience of the world these days holds much change, much turmoil, much difficulty.  As we face challenges that we have never faced before, it can perhaps give us insight as we imagine how Mary and Joseph might have felt as they sought to follow God’s will for their lives.  

The video below shares a liturgy for lighting the Candle of Peace and provides a space and time to think about what Peace means to us.  The video allows a few moments to consider, but feel free to pause the video if you want to take more time to contemplate.  If you are watching with others, please pause and take time to share with one another what Peace means to you. 

If you would like to read the liturgy yourself, a document can be accessed here:  Advent Peace – 2 readers

As we journey through this second week of Advent, may you experience a deep peace that is rooted in the knowledge that you are beloved, and the ongoing assurance that God is with us.  May God bless you in quiet moments of stillness throughout the coming week, granting you strength to meet each challenge you face. 

If you would like to see the video, or read the liturgy, for the first Sunday of Advent, you can find it on last week’s blog post here.

Get in touch!

Let’s build something together.

God is weaving a tapestry of care
that connects all of us in Grace.
Come. Be part of it.

© sidebyside.care 2020