It’s the PMO (the Post from the Minister’s Office)                      December 2024  
Greetings to you dear friends,  
Do you remember the words to the children’s Christmas song, “You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I’m telling you why”?  Of course you do and you know it is written to put the fear into children that if they misbehave Santa Claus will not bring them any Christmas gifts! It is a song meant to prepare for Christmas by monitoring behaviour. Here at Ebenezer we are preparing for Christmas – the birth of Messiah - but it is not by scaring people into good behaviour! It is by slowly, patiently, waiting for the birth of the one who brings us near to us the presence of God and bears light to the world.
This coming Sunday, December 1st, we will light the first candle on our Advent wreath – the candle of Hope. Our service will include the Sacrament of Holy Communion. This coming Sunday will also be the first of two Sundays when you can add an item to ‘Carrie’s Mitten Tree’. Decorating the tree with hats, mitts, scarves and socks is a wonderful way to share the warmth of the season while assisting those in need. Add your items to the tree this Sunday or next.
December 8th will be our White Gift Sunday. You are encouraged to bring a gift card (to make your life easy you can purchase a suitable gift card at the Fundscrip table this coming Sunday - a win-win!) or if you prefer a gift that would be suitable for a teen or art and craft supplies. 
To keep faith throughout the season, last Sunday we handed out ‘Reverse Advent Calendars’. The calendar encourages us to, each day of Advent, set aside an item needed at the Food Bank. These will be brought in on January 5th and then be delivered to the Food Bank. What a celebration day that will be as we see the accumulation of so much thoughtfulness gathered. 
Our four-week Bible study, that meets on Tuesday morning at 10:00, has been considering the scripture readings for the four Sundays of Advent. Please know there is still time to join, and we will welcome you to our hour-long conversation on December 3rd and 10th.  
We will throw open the church doors on Christmas Eve at 7:00pm to welcome you and yours for our service of song and praise to celebrate the birth of Christ. There will be carols and candlelight and the gathering of neighbours and friends. Please share the invitation that all are welcome to join us that night. 
Advent is a season rich with symbolism and meaning. May yours be blessed with many moments of delight and the deep sacredness of the birth of the Holy One. 
Blessings in your Advent walk. See you at church! ~Nancy