Dear Friends,
As we enter into a holiday season, those who grew up in Christian homes sense a longing—not just to accomplish checking all the boxes the holiday season demands of us, but to inhabit our days with greater meaning, depth, and clarity.
You may find yourself asking: How do I slow down and reclaim a sense of sanity and savor the sacredness of this season, when everything around me feels so chaotic? I believe that living in alignment with God’s deepest desire for us isn’t about checking all the boxes. Rather, it’s about returning again and again to the “true north star” guiding us towards the Christ child.
The sacred season beckons us to slow things down, make space in our busy lives, and prepare our hearts, minds, and souls for the birthing of Christ to take place in us.
Meister Eckhart, the 14th-century German mystic and theologian, wrote:
“What does it avail me that Mary birthed Christ long ago if I don’t also birth Him in my soul? What good is it to me if this eternal birth of the divine Son takes place unceasingly but does not take place within myself? And, what good is it to me if Mary is full of grace and if I am not also full of grace?”
“Advent” comes from the Latin “adventus” for arrival. It has been in the Christian spiritual tradition dating back at least to the 4th century CE. Traditions throughout the world acknowledge this time of year as the powerful time to connect with our inner light in the midst of the darkness. In this season of Advent, the 24 days before Christmas, we enter the darkest days of winter. We watch and wait expectantly, anticipating the birth of Christ. We light candles, we sing carols, and we prepare to receive the Light of the World.
Let us worship together as we explore the themes of Advent/Christmas as we prepare to receive the birthing of God child, Emmanuel, God with us.
With pregnant joy,
John
Advent/Christmas Services @ 10 am
November 30 First Sunday of Advent: Lighting the First Advent Candle
Hanging of the Greens & Singing Medley of Carols
(All children & youth will receive Advent Calendars)
December 7 Second Sunday of Advent: Lighting the Second Advent Candle
December 14 Third Sunday of Advent: Lighting the Third Advent Candle
December 21 Christmas Celebration: Lighting the Fourth Advent Candle
Dec. 24, 5:00 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: Lighting the Christ Candle
