Some of us struggle during this holiday time with personal loss and I know many of you know that the period of time between Thanksgiving and Christmas can be filled with memories that are both cherished and difficult. Our country, too, is in a period of great political turmoil and the stress of uncertainty and distrust is something that all Americans are struggling with to one degree or another.
In times such as these, we are reminded that our Bible is filled with stories of the family of Abraham and the nation of Israel calling out to God in periods of personal and national trauma. We believe that God's answer continues to be the gift of Jesus, or Emmanuel ("God is with us"). God's ongoing birth into our lives and communities is one of the central ideas of an incarnational understanding of faith.
But such a faith comes at a cost. We must constantly be willing to prepare ourselves for God's work in our lives. That comes through those same sacred and ancient practices: self-reflection, confession, and prayer.
The season of Advent at Christs Church will be marked by a different liturgical rhythm as it prepares for the Feast of the Incarnation. A quieter beginning, a spoken psalm, a more solemn Eucharist all will aid in our very personal preparations for the hope of God's renewed presence in our lives and in our world. Please join me in this ancient and holy journey into the season of Advent.
Blessings,
Susan+
ADVENT SCHEDULE
Making of Advent Wreaths
10 a.m. Newton Community Room
Hot Breakfast & St. Nicholas Visit10 a.m. NCR
December 17 - Advent 3
Hanging of the Greens 4-6 p.m.
(Decorating the Church, Simple Supper, &Christmas Carols)
December 24 - Advent 4
Lessons & Carols 11 a.m.
Christmas Eve
5 p.m. Christmas Eve Concert and Orchestra
5:30 Christmas Eve Service
Christmas Day
10 a.m. Christmas Morning Service
(Kids come in your pjs, bring your favorite gift to share)
