We begin a four-week worship series this Sunday called The Advent Way. Our worship series will invite reflection on how the Advent way prepares us for the beauty and mystery of Christmas. Worship will be rooted in the book of Isaiah and Matthew’s Gospel.
A note on Advent from A Guide to Prayer for All Who Seek God by Norman Shawchuck & Rueben P Job: Advent marks the beginning of the church year and lays before us the pathway of faith for the year ahead. Advent initiates once again remembering, retelling, and celebrating the whole drama of God’s revelation.
Four weeks is the limit to this season that declares the truth about a God whose love and resourcefulness have no limits. “Advent” has its roots in the Latin word adventus, or coming. This season proclaims the coming of Christ in the birth of Jesus, in the Word and Spirit, and in the final victory when God’s kingdom shall be complete.
Our privilege as Christians is to receive the gracious gifts of God’s presence in Christ. Our task is to prepare for his coming so that we will not miss life’s greatest gift.
Outline of The Advent Way
December 1: Walk. Isaiah 2.1-5.
December 8: Turn. Matthew 3.1-3.
December 15: Imagine. Isaiah 35.1-10.
December 22: Love. Matthew 1.18-25.
Christmas Eve: 5:00pm & 11:00pm
Begin your week by reflecting on how you have experienced Advent in the past. Was Advent part of your childhood? If so, what do you remember? What significance, if any, has the season of Advent had for you in recent years?
Take time to read through Isaiah 2.1-5 slowly. Record the word or phrase that stays with you. Consider how God might be speaking to you through that phrase as you allow yourself a few moments of silence to begin this new season.
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