Illuminating the Season of Advent
Hope, Cherryville’s First Community Tree Lighting
Submitted By Hope, Cherryville
It may have been cold, but that did not stop the community and members of Hope, Cherryville from gathering around a tree full of lights to ignite the season of Advent. Over the past 23 years, Hope’s Evangelism Committee has hosted a nativity display featuring hundreds of unique and beautifully crafted manger scenes. This year, on November 30, the Mom’s Group of Hope joined forces with the Evangelism Committee to present their first community tree lighting event. The event included various intergenerational activities such as crafting ornaments, cookie making, a family/friends photo station, a live nativity display featuring sheep and the chicks that hatched at this past year’s Vacation Bible School, and of course, viewing the nativities contributed by members of Hope and the community.
The theme of the event circled around Hope, Love, Peace, and Joy. The community was reminded how Hope sustains us through life’s challenges and uncertainties, the importance of spreading love in our community, reaching out to those in need, and embracing each other with kindness and compassion; additionally, how the holidays offer a moment of Peace in a world that often seems divided and troubled, and the necessity to spread Joy wherever we go through laughter, singing, and celebrating the beauty of life.
As the tree was lit and the carols began, you could feel and see the Holy Spirit’s presence circling around the community standing before the tree. Children jingled their bells while others ran through the fake snow created by a snow machine. Couples snuggled in tight to stay warm. Individuals held lights for one another to see their music. God’s love was there in every person present, no matter their age. Hope, Love, Peace, and Joy were shining through, marking the beginning of Advent.
Hope, Cherryville is undergoing a pastoral transition with Pastor Susan Ruggles as their interim. The tree lighting was a reminder and an example of how the members of Hope are working together, uplifting the talents and gifts the congregation possesses during this time of uncertainty. Pastoral transitions can be challenging for a congregation and their relationships, but when the members come together to share the ultimate goal of loving and engaging with one another as Christ did, they can create a stronger, more unified community rooted in faith and mutual support.
Hope, Love, Peace, Joy
Thank You, Hope, Cherryville, for your story
Hope Lutheran Church
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