Observing Advent
As we move into the month of December we are preparing to observe the season of Advent together as a church community. The four Sundays leading up to Christmas are set apart for our community to intentionally focus on the hope, love, joy and peace that the coming of Christ brings. Our Sunday Gatherings will include the lighting of the Advent Wreath and our preaching will focus on each Sunday’s Advent theme.
What is Advent?
Advent means “the arrival of a notable person, thing or event.” The Advent season is a preparation period as we await the celebration of Christ’s birth at Christmas.
What do we celebrate?
As Christians we celebrate three meanings of “arrival” during Advent. The first arrival is when Jesus came into the world as a baby to live as a man and to die for us. The second arrival is that of Jesus coming into our hearts to reign as Lord and Saviour. The third arrival will happen in the future when Jesus returns as King and Judge. In Advent we are drawn back to the “author and perfecter of our faith,” Jesus Christ.
Why do we celebrate?
Since the 5th Century Christians have observed Advent as a time of fasting with a particular focus on the second coming of Christ. By embracing traditions that are centuries old we are drawn into the rich history of the Christian faith and we are reminded of our place in God’s story of redemption.
How do we celebrate?
Each Sunday we light a candle placed around an evergreen wreath. We read the Scriptures and pray, drawing our focus to the hope, love, joy and peace that Christ brings.
We invite you to join us each Sunday during this Advent season and for our Blue Christmas and Christmas Eve Gatherings on December 21 and 24, respectively.
