On Sunday, November 27, we will begin another Church Year! It will be the first Sunday in the season of Advent, a time where we begin to anticipate the coming of Christ. Advent is a time of waiting and preparation. It is a time to reflect and ponder. It is a time to focus on the heart of our faith!
Our theme for Advent this year is From Generation to Generation. As in years past, it is also the theme of our Advent devotional from Sanctified Art, which is available outside the sanctuary. The theme comes from the gospel of Luke, where Mary says, “God’s mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.” (Luke 1:50)
The fear, which the gospel of Luke mentions, is a word, which means awe or reverence! Throughout the stories of Advent, we hear about awe and wonder. We also hear repeatedly, “Do not be afraid!” There is a fine line between reverence and feeling afraid. We embrace God’s steadfast love through awe and reverence, allowing it to speak to our lives and to change our world!
We pass down what we find at the heart of our faith from generation to generation. It is God’s steadfast love, which draws near to us, forgiving us and sustaining us. It also calls us to love our neighbor as ourself, as we lean into God’s hope, peace, joy, and love for the world!
We look forward to waiting and preparing together, as we anticipate the birth of Jesus. On Sunday evening, November 27 at 6:15 p.m., we will celebrate with our Advent Family Workshop. Our families and church members will gather to make an Advent craft, which can be used during this season.
We also anticipate Welcoming Advent with Story and Song on Sunday evening, December 4 at 6:15 p.m., where our Preschool, Children’s, and Youth Choirs will sing and we will decorate the Chrismon Trees. On Sunday morning, December 11, our Sanctuary Choir will share its music with us as we worship.
We will gather on Christmas Eve at 5:30 p.m. for Carols, Candles, and Communion. We will also worship together on Sunday, December 25 at 11:00 a.m. We will not have Sunday School on December 25. We will celebrate the traditions and good news of Christmas, which have been passed down from generation to generation!
-Tripp