Minister's Message

Message from the Minister – Advent 2025

Advent
Message of Hope – Preparing for the Lord’s Coming

A Light in the Darkness: An Advent Reflection

Dear Friends,

This is our Advent message of hope, preparing us for the coming of the Lord. It is shared across our website and newsletters to encourage reflection and joyful anticipation.

As the clocks go back and the evenings grow darker, someone always says, “These long winter nights are too much!” And yes, we may miss the golden stretch of summer evenings—but there’s something sacred about this season too. The darkness invites us to slow down. The cold nudges us closer. And Advent whispers: “Watch. Wait. The Light is coming.”

In Ghana, where I served many years ago, power cuts were a regular part of life. One evening, the lights went out just as a family was preparing dinner. The youngest child, Ama, burst into tears. “We’ll never see again!” she cried. Her grandmother chuckled, lit a small kerosene lamp, and said, “Child, the light may leave the ceiling, but it never leaves the heart.” Then she began to sing. The neighbours joined in. And before long, the whole compound was aglow—not with electricity, but with laughter, music, and shared hope.

That, dear friends, is Advent. Not a season of glitter and noise, but of quiet courage. Of small lights. Of waiting together for the One who comes not in splendour, but in swaddling cloth. The Christ-child, born into a world of shadows, still shines.

This year, across our churches in Merrow, Stoughton, West Horsley, and Sheerwater, we will mark this holy season with prayer, song, and shared reflection. Whether you join us for a carol service, a quiet moment of devotion, or simply light a candle at home, know this: you are part of the story. The Light that came into the world still shines—through you, through us,
through every act of love.

Words from Fellow Pilgrims

“Advent begins in the dark. It is not the preparation for Christmas cheer, but the proclamation of hope in the face of despair.”
— Fleming Rutledge

“Advent is a time to look into the shadows and name them, trusting that the light of Christ is already on the way.”
— Rowan Williams

Advent Prayer for All Ages

Loving God,

Thank You for this season of waiting and wonder.
As we light each candle, help us to shine with kindness.
When the world feels dark, show us Your light.
When we feel small, remind us that You came as a child.
Make our hearts ready for Jesus
with joy, with peace, with hope, and with love. Amen.

May this Advent season rekindle your hope, renew your joy, and remind
us all that even the smallest flame can guide us home. You are warmly welcome
to join us in worship at any time during Advent and the Christmas season.

Thank you, and God bless.

Yours devotedly,
Rev George K. Quarm