Advent

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ADVENT

The coming or arrival, especially of something extremely important. The angels announced His birth that first Christmas, the advent of the baby who would grow to become the King and change the world. Two thousand years later, we still look forward to the season that celebrates his birth. You are invited to be part of all of our Christmas Advent services and events. Come celebrate the joy of Christmas with us all season long!

Why Advent
More than any other activity, Advent can restore Jesus to the center of the Christmas celebration, because on each Advent day the birth of Jesus is read, sung and talked about. The whole family can participate and find the observance meaningful. The props are simple and inexpensive. The memories and training will last a lifetime. Although the common tenets of observing Advent are shared by many churches, each family can add its own flavor. Following is a basic primer on how to start celebrating Advent this year.

Prepare your family
Let your family know that this year you are going to start a new tradition or continue one to celebrate Jesus’ Birthday. Whenever you can with children, refer to Christmas as Jesus’ Birthday. Decide which time of the day will work best for your Advent time.

When: Advent begins the fourth Sunday before Christmas (Dec 2) and lasts 22 days.

What you Need:

• Advent wreath you purchased. Perhaps it could be a family event to choose or make the Advent wreath. There are several DIY wreaths online.
• Four candles (three purple, one pink and a white candle for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day). A box of four Advent candles can be purchased at most stores.
• A Bible. Advent scripture readings are located on this page.

Beginning the Celebration

• The FIRST Sunday begin with either a prayer or a Christmas carol. Light the first purple candle and read the scripture for that day. Blow out the candle when you are done. Repeat this all week.
• The SECOND Sunday light your first purple candle followed by the second purple candle, then read the scripture. Repeat this all week.
• The THIRD Sunday light the pink candle along with the two purple candles, and read the scriptures. Repeat this all week.
• The FOURTH Sunday is Christmas Eve, so conclude the Advent season by lighting all four candles and plac­ing an additional white candle in the center holder, then read the scripture.

     Fun ideas to conclude the season:

• • Have a Birthday Party for Jesus (complete with cake, the Happy Birthday song, candles and nonmaterial gifts).
  • Doing a Nativity play with sim­ple costumes.

As you prepare to open gifts explain how we give gifts as a reminder of how much God gave us in Jesus.

Advent Calendar | Dec 2 - 24
Advent calendars are tangible reminders of profound Christian truths, helping families to focus on Christ throughout the holiday season. Each Sunday in December we will focus on the anticipation and expectation of the birth of Christ.

ADVENT READINGS