The Lord spoke through the prophet:“The virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,“ which means, “God is with us.”
Matt 1:22-23
December 6, 2023
The prophets’ predictions of Jesus’ birth make us thankful for the hope that Jesus brings. Advent is a season observed as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Christ. Advent means “the arrival.” It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve.
Advent is observed with calendars, lighting candles on Advent wreaths, praying daily devotionals, and erecting Christmas trees and decorations. The candles in the Advent wreath symbolize the stages of salvation before the coming of the Messiah. There are three purple candles representing hope, love, and peace, and a pink one for joy.
Observing Advent invites us to remember the hope, peace, joy and love that Jesus offers us. During Advent we are challenged to stay focused on Jesus, what His birth means for us, and not concentrate on other holiday festivities. We should plan ways to keep Jesus at the center of the season. Pray and study the great story of Emmanuel, feel its worth in your soul, and be filled with the hope, peace, joy and love of Christ.
Trustee Jocelyn Harris
Sisters in the Spirit Choir
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to prepare and celebrate the birth Jesus Christ. Keep us focused on your purpose for our lives, and not the distraction of the holiday festivities. Fill us with the hope, peace, joy and love that you bring. Amen.
Advent Guide 2023
As we stand in expectation of peace on Earth and reflect on the events of our times and the lives of our brothers, sisters and siblings in Christ, we await change and new birth.
We seek, listen and perceive the presence of God in words of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.
We invite you to join us in meditation, reflection, prayer and spiritual disciplines throughout the season of Advent and beyond.
Read along with us each day or download the book to read and reflect along with us offline.
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