The First Sunday of Advent
My Brothers & Sisters
Today, the first Sunday of Advent, marks the beginning of the new Liturgical/Christian year, with the theme of hope and the promise of God’s reign in Jesus Christ. Advent means “coming,” and the church celebrates the coming of Jesus in history, mystery, and majesty.
History
Although Advent is a time of waiting for the coming of Jesus, we know historically that Jesus was born of Mary centuries ago in a small town called Bethlehem. We affirm that he lived and died and rose again for the salvation of the world.
Mystery
As Christians, we believe our Risen Saviour lives in our hearts and minds in and through the Holy Spirit, also in His Word and Sacraments.
Majesty
We confess that Jesus will come in power and majesty to judge the living and the dead and that His Kingdom will have no end.
We are an Advent people celebrating the coming of Jesus historically, while acknowledging his presence with and in us, and preparing for his final Advent. It is therefore important to be vigilant and be prepared for his coming, whether at Christmas or at the end of the age.
The Candle of Hope
On this first Sunday, we will light the candle of hope, which symbolizes the anticipation of Hope in the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. The three remaining candles, which symbolize Peace, Joy, and Love, are lit on the following Sundays during Advent. Together, each of the four candles tells a part of the Christmas story — the narrative of the birth of Christ in Bethlehem.
Hope in the Midst of Hurricane Melissa
Recently, our country faced the devastation brought by Hurricane Melissa, which destroyed lives, homes, crops, and even some of our church buildings. Amid this tragedy, we hold onto the mystery of our faith: that the Spirit of our Risen and Ascended Christ lives in us and walks with us through this ‘vale of tears’ and leads us on to a glorious tomorrow.
Despite the loss and hardship, we find hope in the promise of rebuilding—trusting that, with God’s help and the support of one another, restoration is possible. We confess that Jesus will come in power and majesty to renew all things, and we look forward to a future filled with hope and healing.
Come, Lord Jesus, come!
Yours in Christ,
Patrick +
Faith and Politics: Rev. Peter Espeut to Lead St. Luke’s Annual Lecture on the Church’s Role in Society
Second Sunday of Advent: a message of Peace, Hope, and Christ’s presence as we rebuild after Hurricane Melissa and renew our mission as God’s people.
In a year of loss after Hurricane Melissa, we give thanks for life, courage, and resilience, trusting Christ the King who reigns and restores amid our trials.
Amid the hurricane devastation, we cling to God’s steadfast love, support affected communities, give relief, pray, and trust that His goodness will rebuild and renew Jamaica.
Though Hurricane Melissa brought devastation, we stand united in faith, hope, and love - trusting God to restore, rebuild, and renew us.
On All Saints’ Day, amid Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, we find hope that faith endures, love rebuilds, and that God and the Saints strengthen us to rise again.
Aging isn’t decline - it is growth. Like Paul, keep learning, stay courageous, and live with purpose, faith, and a renewed spirit at every age.
Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit renews, empowers, and unites us to boldly live and share God’s love in the world.
St. Luke’s Church marks 150 years of faith, compassion, and healing - honouring our past, serving today, and embracing a hopeful, holistic future.
United as one body, we are renewed in Christ to rise above division, seek the lost, and share God’s restoring love with our communities.
Health Month calls us to renew body, mind, spirit, and relationships - living the abundant life through God’s power, love, and discipline.
Faith and Politics: Rev. Peter Espeut to Lead St. Luke’s Annual Lecture on the Church’s Role in Society
Second Sunday of Advent: a message of Peace, Hope, and Christ’s presence as we rebuild after Hurricane Melissa and renew our mission as God’s people.
In a year of loss after Hurricane Melissa, we give thanks for life, courage, and resilience, trusting Christ the King who reigns and restores amid our trials.
Amid the hurricane devastation, we cling to God’s steadfast love, support affected communities, give relief, pray, and trust that His goodness will rebuild and renew Jamaica.
Though Hurricane Melissa brought devastation, we stand united in faith, hope, and love - trusting God to restore, rebuild, and renew us.
On All Saints’ Day, amid Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, we find hope that faith endures, love rebuilds, and that God and the Saints strengthen us to rise again.
Aging isn’t decline - it is growth. Like Paul, keep learning, stay courageous, and live with purpose, faith, and a renewed spirit at every age.
Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit renews, empowers, and unites us to boldly live and share God’s love in the world.
St. Luke’s Church marks 150 years of faith, compassion, and healing - honouring our past, serving today, and embracing a hopeful, holistic future.
United as one body, we are renewed in Christ to rise above division, seek the lost, and share God’s restoring love with our communities.
Health Month calls us to renew body, mind, spirit, and relationships - living the abundant life through God’s power, love, and discipline.
As God’s stewards, we must care for our health and the Earth. Live well, act responsibly, and promote healing for all creation.
Breast cancer is not the end—it’s a call to faith, courage, and vigilance. Early detection saves lives.
Health Month reminds us that true wellness comes through prayer, healing, and forgiveness—nurturing body, mind, and spirit in God’s grace.
The Enthronement of the Rt Rev Leon Paul Golding 15th Bishop of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands
at the Cathedral of St Jago de la Vega on September 28, 2025.
Brothers Crispin & Crispinian faced martyrdom in Psalm 79, but trusted God to bring hope, even in suffering, ruin, and seeming defeat.
The book of Jeremiah speaks of the Widow’s Mite which shows true sacrifice - giving all in faith, not abundance. God honors cheerful, surrendered giving.
God’s Word renews us, unites us as Christ’s body, and calls us to live His mission - bringing hope, healing, and joy to the world.
Jesus warns of wars, disasters, and evil but urges us to stay faithful, calm, and close to Him through prayer, scripture, and compassion.
Prayer deepens faith, builds community, and reminds us to pray anytime, anywhere - trusting that God hears and answers our prayers.
We all carry hidden scars from past hurts. True healing comes through Christ, who cares, heals, and sets us free when we surrender all to Him.
Faith and Politics: Rev. Peter Espeut to Lead St. Luke’s Annual Lecture on the Church’s Role in Society
Second Sunday of Advent: a message of Peace, Hope, and Christ’s presence as we rebuild after Hurricane Melissa and renew our mission as God’s people.
In a year of loss after Hurricane Melissa, we give thanks for life, courage, and resilience, trusting Christ the King who reigns and restores amid our trials.
Amid the hurricane devastation, we cling to God’s steadfast love, support affected communities, give relief, pray, and trust that His goodness will rebuild and renew Jamaica.
Though Hurricane Melissa brought devastation, we stand united in faith, hope, and love - trusting God to restore, rebuild, and renew us.
On All Saints’ Day, amid Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, we find hope that faith endures, love rebuilds, and that God and the Saints strengthen us to rise again.
Aging isn’t decline - it is growth. Like Paul, keep learning, stay courageous, and live with purpose, faith, and a renewed spirit at every age.
Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit renews, empowers, and unites us to boldly live and share God’s love in the world.
St. Luke’s Church marks 150 years of faith, compassion, and healing - honouring our past, serving today, and embracing a hopeful, holistic future.
United as one body, we are renewed in Christ to rise above division, seek the lost, and share God’s restoring love with our communities.
Health Month calls us to renew body, mind, spirit, and relationships - living the abundant life through God’s power, love, and discipline.
As God’s stewards, we must care for our health and the Earth. Live well, act responsibly, and promote healing for all creation.
Breast cancer is not the end—it’s a call to faith, courage, and vigilance. Early detection saves lives.
Health Month reminds us that true wellness comes through prayer, healing, and forgiveness—nurturing body, mind, and spirit in God’s grace.
The Enthronement of the Rt Rev Leon Paul Golding 15th Bishop of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands
at the Cathedral of St Jago de la Vega on September 28, 2025.
Brothers Crispin & Crispinian faced martyrdom in Psalm 79, but trusted God to bring hope, even in suffering, ruin, and seeming defeat.
The book of Jeremiah speaks of the Widow’s Mite which shows true sacrifice - giving all in faith, not abundance. God honors cheerful, surrendered giving.
God’s Word renews us, unites us as Christ’s body, and calls us to live His mission - bringing hope, healing, and joy to the world.
Jesus warns of wars, disasters, and evil but urges us to stay faithful, calm, and close to Him through prayer, scripture, and compassion.
Prayer deepens faith, builds community, and reminds us to pray anytime, anywhere - trusting that God hears and answers our prayers.
We all carry hidden scars from past hurts. True healing comes through Christ, who cares, heals, and sets us free when we surrender all to Him.
Faith and Politics: Rev. Peter Espeut to Lead St. Luke’s Annual Lecture on the Church’s Role in Society
Second Sunday of Advent: a message of Peace, Hope, and Christ’s presence as we rebuild after Hurricane Melissa and renew our mission as God’s people.
In a year of loss after Hurricane Melissa, we give thanks for life, courage, and resilience, trusting Christ the King who reigns and restores amid our trials.
Amid the hurricane devastation, we cling to God’s steadfast love, support affected communities, give relief, pray, and trust that His goodness will rebuild and renew Jamaica.
Though Hurricane Melissa brought devastation, we stand united in faith, hope, and love - trusting God to restore, rebuild, and renew us.
On All Saints’ Day, amid Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, we find hope that faith endures, love rebuilds, and that God and the Saints strengthen us to rise again.
Aging isn’t decline - it is growth. Like Paul, keep learning, stay courageous, and live with purpose, faith, and a renewed spirit at every age.
Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit renews, empowers, and unites us to boldly live and share God’s love in the world.
St. Luke’s Church marks 150 years of faith, compassion, and healing - honouring our past, serving today, and embracing a hopeful, holistic future.
United as one body, we are renewed in Christ to rise above division, seek the lost, and share God’s restoring love with our communities.
Health Month calls us to renew body, mind, spirit, and relationships - living the abundant life through God’s power, love, and discipline.
