It was the Advent of all Advents!

Was it because it was now our seventh Advent and Christmas season here in Malmö and in Sweden? Or perhaps it’s been announced that this will be our last Christmas in Sweden, at least for this season? Or was it, more importantly, the fact that so many in our midst are in difficult seasons and are really looking for Jesus and the truth of His coming and His coming again? And sometimes, people aren’t even aware that they’re looking for Jesus and the peace, joy, comfort, kindness, love, gentleness that He alone brings to our poor and broken world. 

 

There were just so many glorious moments of gathering for worship and song and celebrating during Advent 2024!

 

Whatever it was…it was the Advent of all Advents! We had the traditional första Advent tårtabuffé, a long-standing tradition at Wesleykyrkan where all sandwiches and cucumber slices get tossed out the window as the parade of freshly baked and decorated tårta (cakes) become the centerpiece of our 1st Sunday of Advent celebration. The music is loud and includes brass instruments proclaiming Hosianna, David’s Son! The choir has rehearsed and the voices sung out with such brilliance and clarity: Hosianna in the Highest! 

 

First you have to set up the room and the loooong table...

 

Then let's get those cakes decorated....

 

We really should have a before and after picture of the table!

 

Throughout the month of Advent, our anticipation of waiting just kept growing and growing as we waited for good preaching….for good music….for students to return from far-away lands where they had been student leaders in the Acts 29 Bible discipleship training schools in Ecuador and Zimbabwe. This church wasn’t looking for presents. Yet we received so many words of encouragement even as we chose to bless the world we live in with gifts and funding that was raised thru mission fairs and bake sales. 

 

Busy crafty elves ~ clemetines, coffee and pepperkakor included!

 

 

Hopefully a new tradition began in 2024 when we hosted a Jul singalong ~ Christmas carol singalong. Warm glögg and pepperkakor cookies awaited those who dared to brave the cold of the 4th Sunday in Advent for a pre-singalong mingle, and then we sang. And we sang. And we sang! Brass instruments played, solos were sung, a good mix of English and Swedish and lots of candles and warmth and smiles accompanied the voices that sang with such enthusiasm. How ‘bout next year we add another language?? It was the Advent of all Advents. Christ’s coming to earth was celebrated. Christ’s name was lifted high. Christ’s return is coming soon. Let’s be ready!