In November, I started a new series to explore the interplay between endings and beginnings. For many churches in the Western tradition that follow the common church year, the first Sunday in Advent is also the beginning of the new church year. This is when we reset our calendars so to speak. The lectionary starts over with a new cycle of readings. We return to the same pattern of celebrations and holy days that we have seen before.
So the month of November marks an ending of sorts in the life of the church. But it is not the ultimate end. It is really more the end of the beginning of things. There is more to come.
On this first Sunday of the series, we take a look at 1 John 3:1-3 as we look back at those who have come before. We remember the saints that have modeled love and faithfulness for us, that have made it possible for us to do the same for others. We look back as a way of seeing what is to come.
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