Have you seen the news lately and wondered, "Where is God?" Have you assessed your life and our community and wondered, "Where is God?" From Kelowna to Jerusalem the question can be asked, pondered, and prayed. 

Advent is here. Four weeks of preparation for heaven's answer to the question, "Where is God?," if we slow down and listen, we might understand that God's response is, "Christ is here."

What's happening in the land once called Judea is dominating today's headlines. Jerusalem and Bethlehem once wondered "Where is God?" and almost missed the message that Christ had arrived.

This week, we begin advent with a special guest from Jerusalem, Dr. Salim Munayer. We'll explore how the message "Christ is here" is still the hope for the Holy Land and right here too.

Questions for discussion:

• How does the message of hope and reconciliation in Christ give you hope and expectation for what Christ is doing here and now in your life and our world?

• What do you find most challenging about the way of peace that God has brought into the world through Jesus Christ in light of all the troubles and wars that exist?

• What are you being prompted to further pray for and understand about the war in Israel/Palestine, as well as our city and community?

Phil Wagler,
Interim Pastor