Dec. 3, 2025
“Advent is the season where the silent night becomes a sanctuary for peace, and the angels’ song echoes in the recesses of our hearts, proclaiming ‘Peace on earth.’”
— Jeremi Richardson.
This Sunday, we light the second candle on the Advent wreath; the atmosphere is bathed in a serene glow, echoing the theme of peace. The journey through Advent continues, and on this Second Sunday, our hearts turn toward the profound and transformative concept of peace. The second candle, often called the “Bethlehem Candle” or the “Candle of Peace,” symbolizes the peace emanating from the humble town of Bethlehem, where the Prince of Peace was born. As the soft light flickers, we are invited into the tranquil scene of a stable, where the Savior entered the world amidst the hushed whispers of angels and the lowing of cattle. Our world is filled with noise, chaos, and uncertainty, and the narrative of Bethlehem beckons us to find peace not in the absence of turmoil but in the presence of the One who calms the storm. As we navigate the challenges of our daily lives, the peace that surpasses understanding becomes our guiding light. We remember this light in the flicker of this Sunday’s candle.
“For unto us, a child is born; unto us, a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder. These will be his royal titles: “Wonderful,” “Counselor,” “The Mighty God,” “The Everlasting Father,” “The Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6 (The Living Bible).
Isaiah, the prophet of old, spoke eloquently about the coming Messiah, describing him as the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). The words penned centuries ago still resonate, inviting us to reflect on the nature of the peace that Christ brings. This enduring, transformative peace transcends worldly circumstances. Advent peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of God. The peace that Christ offers is not contingent on external circumstances but is anchored in the unchanging character of God.
As we reflect on the theme of peace this week, let us consider practical ways to cultivate it in our lives and share it with others. Acts of kindness, moments of stillness, and intentional times of prayer can become channels through which the peace of Christ flows into our hearts and spills over into the lives of those around us.
Heavenly Father, on this Second Sunday of Advent, we come before you with hearts open to the peace that surpasses understanding. In a tumultuous and noisy world, we seek the quiet refuge of your presence. As we light the Bethlehem Candle, may its flame kindle within us a deep and abiding peace that emanates from the manger in Bethlehem. Prince of Peace, we acknowledge the chaos in our lives and the world and surrender it to you. May your peace reign in our hearts, calming the storms within and around us. Teach us to be instruments of your peace, spreading love, kindness, and reconciliation in a world hungry for the transformative power of your presence. We pray these things in the name of Jesus, our Prince of Peace. Amen.
Worship Calendar
Dec. 7 – Advent 2 – Peace Isaiah 11:1-10 & Matthew 3:1-12 Rev. Eric Lee
Dec. 14 – Advent 3 – Joy Rev. Eric Lee
Dec. 21 – Advent 4 – Love Rev. Eric Lee
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Graceview Christmas Elves Were at it Again
Our church never looks more glorious than it does after the Graceview Christmas Elves have woven their magic. Thanks to all who showed up last Friday evening and worked with gusto and determination. The 2 pups in attendance kept us all on our toes!! Special thanks go to Harry L. who led us all in some uplifting carols of the season, and to Kathy T. who organized the cider and goodness for us all afterwards.
Angels Come in Many Forms
Upon arriving at church last Sunday, what sight did I behold? Our dear Kathy T. shoveling the stairs and the sidewalks so that congregants could walk safely from the parking lot to the church. The cavalry (aka Earl) soon came to her rescue and continued the job. This is caring and sharing! Thank you both for thinking of the safety of others.
Graceview Balanced Budget Matching Gift Campaign
In order to help achieve a balance budget at Graceview this year, one of our members (who wishes to remain anonymous) has generously offered to match any special offerings (not regular weekly offerings) given by other members of the congregation to help balance the budget, up to a maximum of $5,000 in matching donations. In other words, if other members donate $3,000 in special offerings the donor will match that to make a total of $6,000, if other members donate $5,000 the donor will match that to make a total of $10,000, and if other members of the congregation donate more than $5,000 the donor will top that up by an additional $5,000. For example, if other members donate $7,000 that will become a total of $12,000. Please consider making a one-time special donation in order to help balance our 2025 budget and to take advantage of this generous offer.
To make a donation please use the envelope enclosed with the bulletin or one of the additional envelopes at the back of the church on the offering table and put your special offering on the collection plate as usual. Alternatively, you can use an e-transfer in the normal way, just indicate on the transfer that it is pursuant to the Balanced Budget Matching Gift Campaign. You will receive a tax receipt for that special offering, also as usual. Thank you for considering this and thank you to the anonymous donor. If you have any questions please speak to Al Bishop, who is not the matching gift donor but who is organizing this on behalf of the donor.
A Winter Devotional Update (December 2):
A new edition of Our Daily Bread (December/January/February), as well as the current edition of These Days (October/November/December) are available on the table in the church vestibule and in the devotional box on the church porch.-
Advent Readers
Dec. 7 – Harry & Pat
Dec. 14 – Al & Lynne
Dec. 21 – Vi & Chris
Christmas Angel Program for Food Basket Families.
The St James Food Basket will not be giving out gift cards this year to members of their client families. The Food Basket will be closed for two weeks at Christmastime so the organizers would like to give these families extra food to help them during the holiday period. They plan is to give them frozen chicken and salmon. Outreach would like to support this initiative through our Christmas Angels program. Remembering the biblical story of the 5 loaves and 2 fishes (Matthew 14:13-21), also known as the Feeding of the 5000, donations from our congregation would help to increase the amount of chicken and salmon that can be distributed to the families. At a time when many people are struggling to make ends meet and to feed their families, we can make an important difference in some of their lives.
Please mark your donations (cash, cheque or e-transfer) for the Outreach Account and include your envelope number. We would appreciate receiving your donations by December 14th in order that we can send the funds to the Food Basket in time for their last Wednesday (Dec 17th) distribution of the year. Thank you in advance for your generous support in bringing the joy of Christmas to those in need in our community.
Advent Lunches (Changes to the original plan)
After a very productive Music & Worship meeting last week, it was decided to pare back the number of Advent Lunches that were originally planned. Attendance has traditionally been sparse to these, so it was decided to have one event only. On December 16 at 12:00 PM we will be offering a pizza lunch followed by the viewing of “Christmas with The Chosen – O Holy Night”, which was produced by the same people who have brought us The Chosen series. Please come out and join us for pizza and a movie and maybe some carol singing at the end. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the entryway of the church. We would love to see many of you come out for this event.
Men Aloud
Kento and the Men Aloud Male Chorus will be presenting their Christmas Concert on Tuesday, December 9th at 7 PM at Richview Untied Church. What a great way to start off the Christmas season!
Elaine’s Craft Club Luncheon
If you are interested in coming to the Christmas Luncheon, please sign up on the bulletin board in the entryway of the church. It will be held on Tuesday, December 9th. If you do not drive, transportation can be arranged.
Coffee Sign-Up
It is that time of year again when we are looking for volunteers to serve coffee and tea after worship. The sign up sheet is on the bulletin board in the Adamson Lounge.
Dec. 7 – Iris & Carol
Dec. 14 – Harry & Pat
Dec. 21 – Glen & Greg
Dec. 28 – Iris & Maureen
Jan. 4 – Mission Team
Jan. 11 – Mission Team
Jan. 18 – Glen & Greg
Jan. 25 – Mission Team
Thank you to all of you who have given so willingly of your time and efforts. We appreciate you!!
10 Interesting Advent Facts to Get You in the Holiday Spirit
Kaylin Kaupish
As the holiday season approaches, let us also remember the season of Advent. This holy time of year is for prayer, reflection, and spiritual preparation for Christmas Day. Learn more about the origins and meanings of this season with these 10 interesting Advent facts.
1. Advent means “arrival”
The word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “arrival” or “coming.” It refers to the arrival of Jesus Christ.
2. Advent is different from Christmas
For some, Advent and Christmas are synonymous. In fact, Advent has a separate time period and purpose. While Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, Advent is considered a time of preparedness for His coming.
3. Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year
What exactly is the liturgical year? Also called the church year, it is the cycle of days observed by many Christians in commemoration of the life of Jesus Christ.
4. Advent dates are ever changing
Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas Day, therefore its beginning date changes every year, depending on when Christmas falls. This 2022 Advent season begins on Sunday, November 27th (just three days after Thanksgiving). In 2023, Advent will begin on Sunday, December 3rd. In the year 2024, Advent will begin on Sunday, December 1st. Advent always ends on Christmas Eve, December 24th.
5. When did it begin? No one knows!
The truth is, no one knows for certain when the season of Advent started being celebrated. There are many historical theories. Some believe it originated as a period of fasting before Christmas. Others say Advent was a time of preparedness before the feast of Epiphany. Whatever the origins, it is an important spiritual time for people around the world today.
6. There are Advent hymns and carols
Much like Christmas, there are Advent hymns and carols to help you get into the season’s spirit. Perhaps the most famous is “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” which dates back to the 8th or 9th century and was traditionally sung in the days before Christmas Eve. “Advent Suite” by John Michael Talbot and Michael Card is also a popular song around this time of year for its stirring lyrics and spirit of reflection.
7. Advent has various symbols
While Advent celebrations vary around the world, a common tradition includes the use of a
wreath and candles. The wreath is evergreen—usually fir, holly, juniper, or spruce—to symbolize eternal life. The four candles are various colors, often three violet (symbolizing reflection and humility) and one rose-pink (symbolizing joy). The candles are lit each Sunday and sometimes a white candle is added and lit on Christmas Eve.
8. Advent has 4 themes
Each Sunday of the Advent season focuses on one of four themes, or virtues. The themes can be different based on denominations or preferences. The most common themes are hope, peace, joy, and love. Some traditions include lighting a specific candle on the wreath to symbolize each of the four virtues.
9. Advent calendars originated in Germany
Much like Advent itself, there are differing accounts as to who invented the Advent calendar. Most agree that they began in Germany in the 19th century. Reichold & Lang was one of the earliest companies to create and sell Advent calendars. But in fact, Advent calendars are all thanks to Gerhard Lang’s mother. She created a calendar with treats behind it for Lang and his siblings to enjoy on the days leading up to Christmas. Through the years, others have put their own spin on the tradition, including putting pictures, chocolates, or Bible verses behind the calendar windows.
10. Advent is celebrated around the world
Advent is celebrated in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Episcopalian, Lutheran, and many Protestant churches. People around the world have their own traditions when it comes to the season. For example, in Ireland a family will place a lit candle in their window. In China, people hang colorful lanterns and give apples as a gift. In Mexico they celebrate Las Posadas, or “The Inns,” in which a child dressed as an angel leads a procession around the town to commemorate the journey of Mary and Joseph.
PRAYER REQUESTS AND PASTORAL CARE
* Pray for the people of war-torn countries who are living in fear and uncertainty. Pray for those close to home who need your special love and guidance during trying times. Pray for our country, Canada.
* Pray for the victims and families devastated by the horrific fire in Hong Kong as well as those affected by fire in Thorncliffe Park.
Note from your editor…could you please advise me from time to time on the status of your loved ones so that updates can be recorded and shared to prove that the power of prayer does work miracles.
Night Blessing ✨
May this night wrap you in its silver light.
May your thoughts loosen,
your breath deepen,
and every worry release its hold.
May the softness of the dark remind you
that you are safe,
you are guided,
you are held.
Rest in the certainty
that you have done enough for today.
Let peace gather around you
like a warm blanket.
May your dreams carry you
to places where your spirit feels free,
and may you wake tomorrow
with a lighter heart
and a brave, gentle kindness.
Thanks to Vi for passing this along to me.
UPCOMING EVENTS
* Tuesdays @ 11:00 AM – Walking Group – All are welcome
* Thursdays @ 2:00 PM – Worship service at Centennial Park Place
* Sundays after church- until Christmas – Bell Ringers rehearsal
* Thursday, Dec. 4 @ 9:30 – Sing! Etobicoke @ NPCC (Advent and More)
* Tuesday, Dec. 16 @ 12:00 PM – Advent Luncheon and Movie.
* Tuesday, Dec. 16 @7:00 PM – Christmas Concert fundraiser for Out of the Cold at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish
* Wednesday, Dec. 24 @ 7:00 PM – Christmas Eve Service
* Monday, Jan 26 @ 6:30 PM – Mission Team meeting (Zoom)
* Sunday, Mar. 8 @ 11:30 AM – Annual General Meeting
Prayer/Reader/Announcements for 2026
As you can see below, our roster of readers for 2025 is coming to an end. Bob T. will be working on the 2026 roster towards the end of December. If you would like to be added to or removed from our list of readers, please contact Bob as soon as possible.
Prayer Roster Lay Readers Welcome and Announcements
Dec. 7 Bob Twynam Al Bishop Susan Chopp
Dec. 14 Rachael Chen Bob Twynam Susan Chopp
Dec. 21 Eric Lee Nancy Green Nancy McPherson
Dec. 28 Nancy Green Anna Cherniak Kathy Twynam
Sing! Etobicoke
To register, please visit: https://www.neilsonparkcreativecentre.com/event/sing-etobicoke/
For information, please email: alex@neilsonparkcreativecentre.com or call 416-622-5294.
WEEKLY GIGGLE
Because Christmas was always a busy time for a clergy family, Pastor Fred and his wife, Wilma, had always saved one special gift to exchange on New Year’s Eve. One Dec. 31st morning Mary woke up excited because she had dreamed that Fred had given her a beautiful diamond ring on New Year’s Eve.
“What do you think the dream means?” Wilma asked.
Fred grinned and said mischievously, “Oh, you will most certainly find out tonight!”
“REALLY!?” she exclaimed.
“Really, really,” he said, confidently.
Imaging Mary’s surprise when she opened her gift that evening and discovered she now owned a copy of Sigmund Freud’s “The Interpretation of Dreams.”
Where to Find Us
Contact Person Email Address Phone Number Role/Note
Susan Chopp choppertini@hotmail.com 419-953-7582 Weekly News
Pastor Eric pastor@graceview.ca 416-621-0888 (press #1) Church related issues
Church Office office@graceview.ca Church Secretary
(Halyna)
Dr. Glen DeLine delineglen@gmail.com 905-849-0388 Music Director
Graceview Website https://graceview.ca/calendar-events
Facebook Page Graceview Presbyterian Church
Instagram Page https://www.instagram.com/graceview.presbyterian?igsh=MnlpeXE5YTYyN2ly
December Calendar