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hope Archives - St. Croix Church

heart shaped pupil

It is Good to See You

By Talks

This Sunday Bradley Jersak shared a beautiful message with us: When we see each other with the “eyes of flesh,” we’re prone to all sorts of mistaken judgments. And when we see the world through “eyes of flesh,” we become overwhelmed and hopeless because we’re blinded to God’s everywhere presence and the beauty and love and light available all the time. But when we learn to “see with our hearts,” it’s as if the world is transfigured and those around us are precious beacons of light and hope. And how’s this for a future: “And every eye will see him, and he will wipe every tear from our eyes. No more suffering, no more death, because the Lamb will be their Shepherd.

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nativity scene in tents

Hope for Humanity?

By Talks

On the first Sunday of Advent, Jess offers some reflections on the lectionary passages and what they reveal about our humanity. She shares insights from contemporary voices who point us toward a hopeful perspective on human nature and our innate goodness.

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man walking on top of moving train

Hope in Hard Times

By Talks

This Sunday, Jess Williams explored the role of hope when we walk through hard times in life. Starting with the pain caused by toxic positivity and the cultural pressure to put forward a polished life, Jess asks what the antidote to this might be. She thinks the blessings of Jesus in the Beatitudes have something important to teach us about the kind of life Jesus calls blessed.

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candle flame in total darkness

Confessions of Hope

By Talks

With an invitation to an Honest Advent, Jess shares some confessions that begin with her own reluctance to welcome advent this year. She reflects on how speaking the truth in this way can help clear the air, and perhaps even make a little room in our hearts to welcome a Saviour. Then she considers why advent begins with apocalyptic passages about the end of the world, and connects this to our current context and how we might stay awake in this season — as we watch  and wait for Christ’s arrival today.

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we refuse to be enemies - written on stone

Choosing the Jesus Way

By Talks

Bradley Jersak was with us this Sunday, and he shared the incredible example of Palestinian Christians who have chosen to walk the Jesus Way of choosing hope and peace instead of giving in to hatred and the inevitable cycles of violence that result.

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