ADVENTUS is a word defined by at least one dictionary as, “arrival,” or, “a coming into being.”  Within worship, “Advent” is a season of preparing for an arrival.  And so we prepare for the Christ.  The Christ of Christmas and the Christ who promises to come again.  For centuries, the prayers of this season have begun with the words, “Stir up our hearts, O Lord...” 

Compared to the world around us, the Advent sanctuary is pretty spartan.  Thanks to our liturgical arts team, banners are already flying, calling us to look to the fullness of Christmas.  Soon enough, the sanctuary will sprout all of the symbols of Christmas, dressed up in the splendor of tree, ornaments, lights, flowers, and filled with the songs we know so well and love to sing.

But first, Advent.  A time for the stirring of heart, mind, and life, that we might remember just Who is “the reason for the season.”  May these days of Advent preparation provide many ways for the Spirit of the Living God to “stir up” our hearts, turn us toward the coming of Christ, and make us truly thankful for all of God’s gifts in life.  Then, let us gather at the manger for great Christmas celebrations of light, life, and community in Christ.  A Blessed Advent to all!

(Reading: Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13; Luke 21:25-36)  Thanking God Forward is the theme for this first Sunday in Advent because, well, “prolepsis” is just too big a word.  No matter what word is used, it all has to do with looking to the future with thanksgiving for what God is already doing.  Easier said than done.  Let the thanksgiving begin!
 

(Reading: Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 3:1-6) A Fiery Faith is the theme for this Sunday.  From an early age we’re taught to be careful with fire.  Somewhere along the way we find out why.  Fire  has the ability to burn, but also to cleanse.  The hardest of metals can be made soft...with fire.  Sometimes it takes the refining of fire to temper one’s faith.  What fires have you experienced? 
 

(Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-20; Luke 3:7-18) What then should we do? is the question John’s first hearers asked him, for his message took them so far out of their comfort zone of faith they had no idea how to even live.  The question stands today.  “What then should WE do...” to bear fruits worthy of repentance?
 

5:00p  Children’s Service This year’s Christmas Program will be at the 5:00 pm Children’s Service on Christmas Eve, December 24th.  Get your children involved as we share with our community the story of Jesus’ birth.  This year’s program involves a children’s choir, scripture reading, poems and a live presentation of the birth story found in Luke 2.

7:00p  Family Service A contemporary celebration of the birth of Christ led by the Worship and Youth & Family Ministry teams.  Musical leadership will be with Psalm 151 (Youth Band) and organ combined with the singing of carols, candlelight, and Holy Communion. The participants in the birth of Jesus will be interviewed to find out what really happened that night.  The Youth will help lead this fun service which includes communion.

9:00p  A Traditional Celebration of the Nativity featuring the Sanctuary Choir, as well as the singing of traditional carols, candlelight and Holy Communion.

10:30p  Christmas Unplugged  This year we will be doing something different.  As in the past, carols will be sung, candles will be lit, and Holy Communion celebrated, but the tone will be quieter, with space for quiet contemplation of the new born Christ.  Music will be led by different folks on piano, guitar, violin, and other acoustic instruments.

10:00a  Come, sing the traditional carols of Christmas in a quiet service celebrating the birth of Christ. 
 

Worship Graphic "God of Wonders Beyond Our Galaxy" (c)Gwen Meharg