On Sunday, November 26, we will celebrate Christ the King Sunday, which is the last Sunday of the Church Year. At 6:15 p.m. that day, we will gather for our Advent Family Workshop, creating an Advent craft as we prepare for the Advent season. The first Sunday of Advent will be December 3.
Advent is the four Sundays prior to the celebration of Christmas. It is a season, where we prepare ourselves for the hope, peace, joy, and love of God. Our theme for Advent this year will be That We May Have Light. This theme comes from a piece of music, which our Sanctuary Choir will present, entitled, He Came Down, by Marty Haugen.
When we look back at the first verses of scripture, God said, “Let there be light.” Creation is made possible because of the light! It causes plants to grow and allows us to see. It gives us life is so many ways!
During Advent, we anticipate and expect the arrival of the Light of the World. We not only need light to grow plants and to see, but also to foster hope, broker peace, cultivate joy, and spread love. We prepare ourselves to receive this light, opening ourselves up to it and looking at the world anew through it.
Throughout the days of Advent, we can receive this light. The season of Advent is meant to increase our expectation and to stir up our anticipation. It wakes us up to the Light of the World!
When we notice the heartache and suffering of this world, Advent invites us to seek the hope of God. When we are dismayed by violence and conflict, Advent encourages us to work for peace. When despair threatens our lives, or the lives of our loved ones, Advent insists there is joy to be experienced. When hate or apathy seems rampant, Advent sings about God’s steadfast love.
We are invited into the season of Advent, so that we may have light!
– Tripp