I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope – Psalm 130:5
Advent: the time to listen for footsteps – you can’t hear footsteps when you’re running yourself. – Bill McKibben
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
It’s hard to believe, but he holiday season is already in full swing, and the world around us pulses with the hustle and bustle of shopping, decorating, and event planning. But for us, as a church family, the calendar turns to a different rhythm: the season of Advent.
From the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival,” Advent is a special time of intentional waiting, watching, and spiritual preparation for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is a time to pause from all of the “holiday hype” and reflect on the profound mystery of the Incarnation—that God chose to meet us in the vulnerability and innocence of a child.
Advent invites us to look in two directions at once.
We look back to Bethlehem, celebrating Christ’s first coming as a light into the darkness of the world, AND we look forward, holding onto the promise and hope of His second coming, when all things will be made new, all tears will be wiped away, and perfect justice will finally be established. This season acknowledges our deep longing for God’s kingdom to come fully, even as we experience the brokenness of our world.
Each week in Advent, our worship and personal reflection are guided by four themes, traditionally symbolized by the candles on the Advent wreath:
Week 1: Hope We reflect on the hope found in God’s promises of redemption and the long-expected Savior.
Week 2: Peace We are called to embrace the peace that Christ brings and seek it within our hearts and relationships.
Week 3: Joy This Sunday, known as Gaudete Sunday (Sunday of Rejoicing), we light the pink candle, expressing joy that the Lord’s arrival is near.
Week 4: Love We remember God’s incredible love for humanity in sending His Son, inspiring us to share that love with others.
Consider incorporating one or more of these Advent practices into your daily life:
Engage with Scripture: Consider a daily Advent reflection or Bible reading plan, focusing especially on the prophets like Isaiah.
Acts of Kindness: Look for ways to be a “bearer of blessing” by performing deliberate acts of kindness for family, friends, or even strangers.
Quiet Reflection: Step away from the commercial hustle and find moments of quiet prayer and reflection, allowing room for God to tend to the “lonely places” in your life.
Join Us in Worship: Attend our weekly Advent services and special Christmas events (see the full schedule in the Church Calendar section) to worship and wait together as a community.
Advent is a beautiful opportunity to allow our hearts to be molded into the image of Christ, not just in grand gestures, but in small, local experiences of grace, peace, and love.
May this season be for you a time of renewed hope, genuine peace, profound joy, and overflowing love as we await the Christ child.
Peace,
Pastor Layne