Advent Epistle 2016

Monday of Advent 1
November 28, 2016

Dear Saints of Our Savior,

Another Thanksgiving has come and gone—and the crush of the rush to Christmas is now underway.

But in the church’s reckoning of time, it’s not yet Christmas; it’s Advent. Advent is the antidote to the crush and rush of cultural Christmas. Advent is the season for pondering the promises of our gracious God. Advent is when we stop rushing and start reflecting on where we have been and where we are headed—all by the mercies of Christ, our Savior.

This year our congregation is offering four special midweek opportunities to do just that. Each Wednesday during Advent we will gather at 6:30 p.m. for Evening Prayer. Because nearly each of these Wednesdays aligns with a minor festival this year, we will take our cues from these “minor” saints who bore witness to Christ in “major” ways. We will briefly examine their lives through the lens of Advent—drawing direction and definition for our own lives as Christ’s holy people.

November 30 ~ Saint Andrew, Apostle Witness with Andrew
December 7 ~ Saint Ambrose of Milan, Pastor & Hymnwriter Sing with Ambrose
December 14 ~ Saint Lucia, Martyr (observed) Die and Live with Lucia
December 21 ~ Saint Thomas, Apostle Believe with Thomas

Each of these midweek services will be preceded by a meal in the fellowship hall, beginning at 5:30 p.m. You are invited to bring a side dish, salad, or dessert to share—although no culinary contribution is required. Just come and enjoy the good company of other “ordinary saints,” drawn to the light of Christ during the darkness of December.

Jesus Christ is the light of the world—the light no darkness can overcome.