THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
My Brothers & Sisters
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who comes to us as Light in the darkness and Hope in the midst of despair.
Last Sunday we lit the candle of Hope and today we light the candle of Peace, but even while we celebrate the Peace that comes with knowing the Lord Jesus, we understand that this Peace is linked to the Hope of the Advent of our Lord. At the First Advent of our Lord, the angels announced this Peace, and when Jesus comforts his disciples with the Hope of His Second Advent, he promises them Peace.
As we continue to observe and celebrate this holy season of Advent, our hearts are heavy with the memories of Hurricane Melissa and the devastation it has left upon our island home. Yet, Advent is precisely the time when we are reminded that God’s promises shine brightest in the shadows of suffering.
A Call to Watch, Wait, and Prepare
Advent calls us to watch and wait for the coming of Christ, not with passive resignation but with active hope. John the Baptist cried out in the wilderness, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight” (Matthew 3:3). In the aftermath of the storm, we too are called to prepare—not only rebuilding homes and restoring livelihoods but also renewing our faith and deepening our commitment to the mission of the Church.
The Mission of the Church
- To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of God, especially in this season and aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.
- To be a beacon of hope where despair threatens to overwhelm. In the words from the Epistle for the Day: “Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.”
- To embody Christ’s compassion by caring for the needy, comforting the grieving, and standing with the displaced, thus responding to human need by loving service.
- To proclaim reconciliation and peace in a time when fear and loss could easily breed division.
- To nurture resilience by helping our communities rise again, stronger and more united in faith.
Christ Comes Into Our Brokenness
Advent reminds us that Christ comes, not into perfect circumstances but into brokenness, vulnerability, and need. The Child born in Bethlehem was laid in a manger because there was no room at the inn.
In the same way, Christ comes to us now—into our shelters, our relief centres, our churches turned into sanctuaries for the weary. He comes to remind us that God is with us, Emmanuel, bringing us peace even in the storm’s aftermath.
Our Advent Witness
Beloved, the storm has tested us, but it has not defeated us. The mission of the Church is alive: to proclaim good news to the poor, release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, and freedom to the oppressed (Luke 4:18). This is our Advent calling. This is our witness in the world.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).
Thanks to Rev. Deacon Peter and Rev. Beverley for leading the service at St. Luke’s and St. Philips, respectively, in my absence, and to Sister Claudette for preaching at both services.
Yours in Mission,
Patrick +
Faith and Politics: Rev. Peter Espeut to Lead St. Luke’s Annual Lecture on the Church’s Role in Society
A reflection on the First Sunday of Advent—celebrating hope, Christ’s coming, and faith that sustains us through challenges like Hurricane Melissa.
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
A reflection on the First Sunday of Advent—celebrating hope, Christ’s coming, and faith that sustains us through challenges like Hurricane Melissa.
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
A reflection on the First Sunday of Advent—celebrating hope, Christ’s coming, and faith that sustains us through challenges like Hurricane Melissa.
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
A reflection on the First Sunday of Advent—celebrating hope, Christ’s coming, and faith that sustains us through challenges like Hurricane Melissa.
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.
