Advent is an invitation: a divine summons to desire, to acknowledge the constant craving implanted in your heart. Quiet encouragement to be still. A gentle wake-up call to wonder. Holy permission to put down all the things you think you should be doing for God and, instead, simply revel in God’s love for you and our world.

And consider how amazing that Love is: That it longs so much for you to come into your own that it would put on all the grit and glory of you—of us. That it would move into our sketchy neighborhood and hang out in all the wrong places, just hoping for a glimpse of us.

Consider all the lovelessness in the world right now, and how much we and our world need the Love With Us that Advent promises. Consider, too, that we never know what Love will look like. We have no idea when it will show up. So let us pay attention. Let us dwell in delight, stand on tiptoe, and make way for Love.

December 1, First Sunday in Advent The Need for Love

Friday, December 6, 6 p.m. Family Advent Party & Hanging of the Greens

December 8, Second Sunday in Advent The Way to Love
Trimming the Tree

Wednesday, December 11, 6 p.m. Love Stories Come and Be Loved: Light Supper & Sharing

Saturday, December 14, 2:30 p.m. Christmas caroling

December 15, Third Sunday in Advent The Plan for Love

Saturday, December 21, 7 p.m. Longest Night Service & bonfire

December 22, Fourth Sunday of Advent The Gift of Love
A Service of Lessons and Carols

Christmas Eve Services:
5 p.m. Family service: Un-Pageant, carols, candlelight & cookies
9:30 p.m. Contemplative service with Communion & candles