Living Advent

Let us walk in the light of the Lord.

As we continue our observation of Advent, I am reminded of the true nature of Christmas. Christmas isn't candy canes and shopping malls, fragrant balsam branches or neatly wrapped presents. It isn't even cooing over the idea of a cute, harmless baby laying in a manger. Observing our culture's and oftentimes our own practices of celebrating Christmas does not often approach the momentous and transformational nature of the incarnation. Imagine God come to earth, not to bring us hot cocoa and hand-knitted scarves, but to set in motion fundamental change in our world, change that will transform us from a people of war to a people of peace, change that marks the beginning of God's kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. What does it look like to participate in celebrating the beginning of such a change, and what does it mean to continue to live into the promise of our lives as those called to live as Christ in our world?

I would argue that it means to live differently. I would argue that celebration and contemplation must be balanced by our actions. This past Sunday was our first week of the Quest Global Market and Giving Tree, both providing local and global opportunities to participate in the transformational work of the Kingdom. While the Giving Tree and Global Market will be available this upcoming Sunday, I have another opportunity to share. Next Wednesday, December 17th at 7:00 at Q Cafe, the Global Presence Ministry at Quest Church and World Aid are partnering to welcome Ben Rogers, author and human rights advocate currently working with Christian Solidarity Worldwide UK, advocating against the persecution of Christians throughout the world. Ben is coming to share a presentation on how we as Christians are called to advocate for our sisters and brothers throughout this world who are victims of violence, conflict, and persecution at the hands of their governments. Each of us is invited to come, learn, ask questions, and learn how we can be effective advocates. Won't you come celebrate the Advent season with us through action? Send me an email and let me know if you'll be joining us, or simply come.

Let us walk in the light of the Lord. 

L e a h K l u g | pastoral staff | leah@seattlequest.org | http://leahklug.wordpress.com

THIS WEEK AT QUEST | NEW EVENTS | COMMUNITY NEWS

• COMMUNITY GROUPS. Community Groups meet througout the week throughout the greater Seattle area. C-groups are a vital part of the depth and authenticity of the Quest community. For a full list of c-groups and to sign up for a c-group, visit the c-groups homepage. If you have any questions or would like help finding the right c-group for you, contact jason@seattlequest.org.

• LIVE MUSIC @ THE Q. Friday: Garage Voice, Noah Gunderson, Lower Lights Burning, Tony Kevin. Benefit Show for Umubano Sister School Program www.discoverworlds/umubano.org Doors at 7:30pm, show at 8pm. All ages - $7. For more information or to volunteer during future live music shows, contact melissa@qcafe.org.

• OPEN MIC. Tuesday nights from 6:30-9pm at the Q Café, hosted by Victory Music. For more info, visit their website: www.victorymusic.org.

• GIVING TREE / GLOBAL MARKET. Quest's Annual Global Market, featuring crafts and support opportunities from around the world, will take place before and after each service on December 7th and 14th. Come purchase Christmas gifts that support our world, enjoy some great baked goods at the bake sale, and fellowship with other Questers. We'll also have a Giving Tree set up in the foyer so that you can learn how to best give to those in need in our community this holiday season; gifts this year will benefit the Karen Church Plant and To The Streets. For more information on the Global Market, contact leah@seattlequest.org; for more information on the Giving Tree, contact deanza@seattlequest.org.

• THEOLOGY FRIDAYS. If you're interested in talking and reading theology, there are a few of us who will be meeting Friday afternoons from 4-5pm in West Seattle. The first book we'll be reading is N.T. Wright's Simply Christian. Email jason@seattlequest.org for more info.

• GLOBAL PRESENCE EVENT. There will be a GP Educational Event on Wed., Dec 17th at 7pm at the Q Cafe, Bendict Rogers, author and advocate, shares about the current crisis inside Burma. For more info, contact leah@seattlequest.org.

• QUEST CHRISTMAS PARTY. The annual Quest Christmas party will be on Saturday, December 20th at 5pm at the Q Café! Bring a gently-used gift for our re-gift exchange! Children are welcome. We will also be having a potluck dinner; stay tuned for specifics. If you have any questions or if you're interested in volunteering, please contact office@seattlequest.org.

FUTURE QUEST CALENDAR