Today, we step into a new season of holy anticipation. Advent begins — not with wreaths or sentiment, but with Love, the first light we kindle on our journey toward Christ’s coming.

At New Unity, Advent always opens with the power of Love:

Love that took on flesh,

Love that walks into human struggle,

Love that refuses to abandon God’s people.

This first Sunday calls us to make room — in our hearts, our homes, our community — for the Love that bends low enough to be born in a manger and strong enough to redeem the world.

As we enter Advent:

Next week, Hope will rise.

Then Joy will break open.

And we will close the season bathed in Peace.

But today… this day belongs to Love.

So we come praying, expecting, preparing:

That Love will soften what has grown hard.

That Love will heal what has been wounded.

That Love will steady us through all that awaits.

That Love will shape us into a people ready to receive the Christ who comes.

Family, let us begin this season with open hearts and ready spirits.

Let us welcome the First Light.

Let us walk into Advent together.

This week we begin with Love.