According to our denomination’s Book of Order, “The Church is to be a community of hope, rejoicing in the sure and certain knowledge that, in Christ, God is making a new creation. This new creation is a new beginning for human life and for all things. The Church lives in the present on the strength of that promised new creation” (F-1.0301). Advent is a season that gives us space to live into this calling to be a community of hope in our hurting world.
The word Advent means “coming” – it is a season of preparing for the coming of Christ to earth. Advent prepares us once again for Christ’s first coming to earth as a humble baby born in a manger. Yet, Advent also points forward to Christ’s second coming, when he will come to fulfill God’s promise of new creation. During this season, we reaffirm this promise of new creation, and we prepare ourselves for its coming in fullness. To prepare ourselves for this season, it is helpful to engage in some specific spiritual practices that will help us align our hearts and minds with God’s purposes in Christ. This Advent season, there are several opportunities to engage in such practices. First, I’m hosting an Advent prayer group based upon our study of The Lord’s Prayer. We’ve learned about the prayer – now, we’ll actually pray it together! (More details can be found inside this newsletter). Second, I’m offering a series of daily Advent Bible readings to focus us on the meaning of this season. You can follow along on our Facebook page, or if you would prefer a printed copy of the calendar, please let me know. My hope and prayer for us this Advent season is this: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13).
Blessings,
Hilary
Leave A Comment