Advent

Advent(from the Latin word adventus meaning "coming") is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. It is the beginning of the church year and commences on the fourth Sunday before December 25, the Sunday from November 27 to December 3 inclusive.   The progression of the season may be marked with an Advent calendar, a practice introduced by German Lutherans.

Latin adventusis the translation of the Greek word parousia, commonly used in reference to the Second Coming of Christ. For Christians, the season of Advent serves a reminder both of the original waiting that was done by the Hebrewsfor the birth of their Messiah as well as the waiting of Christians for Christ's return.

The theme of readings and teachings during Advent is often to prepare for the Second Comingwhile commemorating the First Coming of Christ at Christmas. With the view of directing the thoughts of Christians to the first coming of Jesus Christ as savior and to his second coming as judge, special readings are prescribed for each of the four Sundays in Advent.  The usual liturgical color for Advent is purple. The purple color is often used for hangings around the church and on the vestmentsof the clergy.

The worship services during Advent are designed to be particularly “family friendly and children are encouraged to participate. 

The Advent Wreath.  Every Sunday includes the lighting of the Advent Candle by members of the congregation, including families.  The Advent wreath is a Christian tradition that symbolizes the passage of the four weeks of Advent in the liturgical calendarof the Western church. The Advent Wreath is usually a horizontal evergreen wreath with four candles and often, a fifth, white candle in the center. Beginning with the First Sunday of Advent, the lighting of a candle can be accompanied by a Bible reading and prayers. An additional candle is lit during each subsequent week until, by the last Sunday before Christmas, all four candles are lit. Some Advent wreaths include a fifth, "Christ" candle which can be lit at Christmas.

First Sunday in Advent – Hanging of the Greens.  During this service we learn the Christian meaning of traditional Christmas decorations and decorate the sanctuary for the season.

Second Sunday in Advent – Story Sunday.  During this serve we hear the Christmas story from the perspective of favorite book complete with illustrations.

Third Sunday in Advent – Cantata Sunday.  During this service we hear the Christmas story presented through music as the Chancel Choir presents its annual cantata.

Fourth Sunday in Advent – Children’s Program.  During this service the children of the church present us with their rendition of the Christmas story.