That means a lot of things to a lot of different people. For some it is the season of preparation for Christmas. For others it is the Christmas season. That comes from the fact that some Christian denominations do not recognize or set aside the time of Advent.
I would reiterate what I wrote this time last year:
Advent is something of an unusual time. On the one hand it is the time of preparation for Christmas and the stories of the nativity, Joseph, Mary, Jesus’ birth and so forth. On the other hand, Advent is a time of reflection and hope for the second Advent, or the second coming of Christ. In that respect it is a time of not merely remembering Christmas, but looking forward in hope for the fully realized Kingdom of God.
In the middle of those two understandings of Advent, there is the tension of seeking to encounter the present reality of Christ. In other words, we continue to seek the presence of Christ in our own lives, not merely looking back at what was and hoping for the future. Advent is when we stop to reflect on the reality of the unfolding Advent of Christ in our own lives.
Since Advent is such a tremendously important time in the life of the Church, I hope that you will take advantage of as many opportunities as possible to ‘drink in’ the season to its fullest. We will be having two regular services during Advent: November 29th and December 13th. The other two Sundays in Advent are special events.
December 6th is the Children's Pageant and December 20th is the Choir Cantata. We will also be having our Christmas Eve service on Thursday the 24th with a service of Holy Communion. And, like last year, we will also hold the special "Longest Night" service on December 21st, which I will talk more about later.
I will also be updating the post each week during the season of Advent with thoughts on the four aspects of the season for this year: peace, joy, hope, and love. So check back in each week during Advent.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Charles
December 6th is the Children's Pageant and December 20th is the Choir Cantata. We will also be having our Christmas Eve service on Thursday the 24th with a service of Holy Communion. And, like last year, we will also hold the special "Longest Night" service on December 21st, which I will talk more about later.
I will also be updating the post each week during the season of Advent with thoughts on the four aspects of the season for this year: peace, joy, hope, and love. So check back in each week during Advent.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Charles
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