Advent is the first season of the Church year. It lasts four weeks, leading up to Christmas day on December 25th . The word ‘Advent’ comes from the Latin word ‘adventus’ which means ‘coming’ or ‘arrival’. Used by the church, Advent refers to the first arrival of Jesus, when he was born in Bethlehem on Christmas day. Advent also anticipates the second coming of Jesus, where all things will be made right as he ushers in a new heaven and a new earth. With these two arrivals of Jesus as our focus, it makes sense that the four Sundays of Advent focus on Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. An Advent wreath with colored candles will be on display to represent each of these themes, with a fifth candle in the center to represent the birth of Christ.

 

Our invitation to you this Advent is to intentionally orient your lives around this opening portion of the story of Jesus. Make a commitment to attend church every Sunday during this season as we remember how our smaller stories are all parts of God’s greater story. Purchase a Seasons Calendar at church and read through the passages we will be reflecting on during our Sunday services. Join us on Sunday, December 17 at 5:00 p.m. as we welcome Christ into our world at our Advent Prayer service. Consider using the family Advent calendar provided to you by our Children’s ministry. Make the coming of Jesus the centerpiece of this season and notice all the ways he will redeem the time.