Tim Suttle

Tim Suttle

Christmas is only a week away and the children in our church will be excited and counting the days. This is often an emotional “up and down” time. While children are eagerly anticipating gifts, special food, and family visits, they may also be apprehensive that their hopes won’t happen. The story from the gospel of Matthew will help them understand that God was with Joseph and Mary and is also with them in all of their hopes and fears.

Tim Suttle

This week’s readings offer hope and affirm God’s promises for peoples who are experiencing turmoil and unexpected events. Mary sings a song of joy after an angel tells her the surprising news that she will have a child – a child who will become the song of God. In this passage, Mary dares to hope and to trust in God’s promises that justice and peace will surely come.

Tim Suttle

Redemption Church U18 Team

Tim Suttle

This Sunday marks both the beginning of the liturgical year and the start of Advent. Advent is a unique opportunity for the faithful to anticipate the coming of Jesus by exploring eschatology (how will it all end?), Christology (who is Jesus and is he the Christ?), and discipleship (what does it mean to follow Jesus?). Although Advent is a time of waiting and preparing, it is also a time of decision making. What do we hope for (eschatology)? Do we believe that Jesus will help us get there (Christology)? And how (discipleship)?

Tim Suttle