> Dear Friends,
>
> When my thoughts turn to Advent, I often recall a remarkable worship
> service on a first Sunday of Advent many years ago.
>
> At the time, good friends Bob and Gwynneth Wallace were serving my
> congregation and encouraging us all, especially children and youth, to
> bring our artistic gifts into worship leadership.
>
> From the balcony on that particular Sunday morning, a young man's
> clear voice floated gently above the congregation, piercing the quiet
> as we gathered for worship. The opening of Godspell's 'Prepare ye the
> way of the Lord' filled the air. It was quiet at first, then the
> volume rose. A rock band composed of three more teenaged boys added
> the harmony of electric guitars, then the driving percussion of the
> drums. In moments we had moved from a gentle invitation to a lively,
> participation. We were on our feet, swaying and clapping, ready to
> prepare the way of the Lord with our whole being!
>
> I pray that your experience of Advent will build with joy, expectation
> and preparation for the power of what's to come.
>
> As Advent begins I am meeting with church leaders from around the
> world in Durban, South Africa at the United Nations climate change
> talks. I see our presence here, among other things, as an Advent
> action and witness. We are encouraging national leaders of our global
> community to take steps to mitigate the effects of global warming and
> prevent further threat to God's creation, and in so doing to help
> prepare the way of the Lord. And if, at times, we feel that our
> efforts resemble "a voice crying in the wilderness" - well, that too
> is an Advent task. But we know we are not alone.
>
> There are many ways to make straight the path and prepare the way of
> the Lord. Your solidarity in both prayer and action during the climate
> change talks is one.
> http://www.wondercafe.ca/blogs/moderator-mardi-tindal/moderator-mardi-
> tindals-blog-changing-climate-gaining-momentum
> http://www.wondercafe.ca/blogs/moderator-mardi-tindal/moderator-mardi-
> tindals-blog-road-durban-what%E2%80%94love-requires
>
> I mention a few others in this Advent video message which is available
> for use in Sunday worship if you wish.
> http://www.united-church.ca/communications/news/moderator/111122
> http://www.united-church.ca/fr/communications/news/moderator/111122
>
> In what ways are you and your community 'preparing the way of the Lord'
> and making way for new life?
>
> May all that you do to mark this start of the church year be
> experienced as God's blessing in your own life, and in the lives of others.
>
> May we all rise to our feet with the energy required to prepare the
> way of the Lord.
>
> In the abundant joy of Christ,
>
> Moderator,
> Mardi Tindal,
> The United Church of Canada,
> 3250 Bloor Street West,
> Suite 300,
> Toronto, Ontario  M8X 2Y4
> Toll Free: 1-800-268-3781
> Phone: 416-231-5931
> Fax: 416-231-3103
> Email: moderator@united-church.ca
>