Advent marks the beginning of a new liturgical year and we begin this new year by waiting and preparing. The entire season is one of anticipation as we ready ourselves to receive the Good News of Jesus’ birth anew. But, as with all of the Liturgical seasons, Advent’s themes are much deeper than meets the eye. During this time of year, we are not just invited to wait for Christmas to arrive but to also consider the ways that waiting can be spiritual; the ways that intentional preparing can draw us closer to God.
The Advent Wreath is a prominent symbol during the Advent season and it carries profound symbolic significance. Each week we light another candle and watch as the light in the sanctuary or in our home literally grows brighter, even as the sunlight grows dimmer as we move towards the darkest days of the year.
The message of this season is simple: even at times when the despair in our lives seem greatest we cultivate a faith that proclaims that God’s power is stronger. Even when it may seem as if the entire world is becoming more and more bleak, we are watching and waiting with hope for God’s light to break in again.
The Advent Wreath is a prominent symbol during the Advent season and it carries profound symbolic significance. Each week we light another candle and watch as the light in the sanctuary or in our home literally grows brighter, even as the sunlight grows dimmer as we move towards the darkest days of the year.
The message of this season is simple: even at times when the despair in our lives seem greatest we cultivate a faith that proclaims that God’s power is stronger. Even when it may seem as if the entire world is becoming more and more bleak, we are watching and waiting with hope for God’s light to break in again.
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Zombie ChurchFundamentalsFeasts & BanquetsAcademics & FaithShattering Our ExpectationsJesus didn't really mean that, right? Sacred Discomfort: How God Speaks in Uncomfortable MomentsThe Spirit IntercedesHappy Birthday JesusChristmas in JulyJoy in ListeningHope in the Midst of DoubtThe Gift of PresenceI'm too...Daily Bread and MindfulnessA Thousand Years is like a DaySacred Interruptions: How God Speaks Through Life's Detours
March
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April
Preserving Lord, save me fromAwesome God, I am amazed byThe Joy of LentThe Book of 2nd Samuel - God's Redemptive PowerCompassionate God, I Weep ForThe Book of Acts - Being the ChurchPalm Sunday Spoken WordGenerous God, open my eyes to see...God, I needCursing the Fig Tree Spoken WordMaundy Thursday Spoken WordGood Friday Spoken WordThe Book of 1st Kings - Wisdom and DivisionHoly Saturday Spoken WordSing - Practice ResurrectionClean - Practice ResurrectionDo a Good Deed - Practice ResurrectionGrieve - Practice ResurrectionGive Thanks - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of Romans - The Saving Work of GodLive BoldlyPlant - Practice ResurrectionForgive Yourself - Practice ResurrectionCare for a friend - Practice Resurrection
May
Enjoy a Good Meal - Practice ResurrectionListen to Music - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of 2nd Kings - Hope in ExileWorship - Practice ResurrectionAppreciate Art - Practice ResurrectionLaughter HelpsDrink Water - Practice ResurrectionWatch a Sunset - Practice ResurrectionStretch - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of 1st Corinthians - Hope in the TurmoilThe Lord is My ShepherdBreathe - Practice ResurrectionRead - Practice ResurrectionCreate - Practice ResurrectionWalk or Run - Practice ResurrectionCall a Friend - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of 1st Chronicles - God's Presence in HistoryLove in ActionFor Aging GracefullyForgive - Practice ResurrectionLearn - Practice ResurrectionWash - Practice ResurrectionExplore - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of 2nd Corinthians - The Importance of ReconciliationGod Our ParentAdvocate - Practice ResurrectionLight a Candle - Practice ResurrectionTaste - Practice ResurrectionTake a Nap - Practice ResurrectionDonate - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of 2nd Chronicles - Consequences of Unfaithfulness
June
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