Advent and Christmas 2024: Season of Promise

“The days are surely coming, God says, when I will fulfill the promise I made.”
“Because of the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us,
to shine upon those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
(Jeremiah 33:14; Luke 1: 78-79)

Our faith is built on some fairly outrageous promises: that the ways of worldly power will be turned upside-down, for example, and that the poor will be lifted up. That love is stronger than death, and that there is a light no darkness can overcome. But it can be hard to trust those promises, especially when so much in our world contradicts them.

Which is why we need to reflect on the promises—and the stories behind them—again and again. It’s why we need to sing the carols, light the candles, and rekindle the joy and hope. It’s why, at the darkest time of the year, we get ready to welcome light and love.

Advent is a breaking in: of the divine into the human, light into shadow, hope into despair, healing into brokenness, new life into what seems dead, the realm of God into earthly empire. Advent is also an invitation: a summons to acknowledge the holy longings implanted in our hearts. Quiet encouragement to be still. A wake-up call to wonder. Holy permission to celebrate God’s love for us and our world.

Advent is the perfect time to come to church, young ones in tow, and reconnect with the justice and joy God promises to all people and all creation. Come and find comfort and hope in community, and let your soul be fed by soaring music and sweet traditions.

December 1, First Sunday of Advent: The Promise of Deliverance
Friday, December 6, 6 + 7 p.m.: Family Advent Party + Greening of the Sanctuary
December 8, Second Sunday of Advent: The Promise to Make a Way + Trimming the Tree
December 15, Third Sunday of Advent: The Promise of Recovery and Restoration
Saturday, December 21, 7 o’clock: Longest Night Service + Bonfire
December 22, Fourth Sunday of Advent: A Service of Lessons & Carols
The Promise of Justice
Christmas Eve: 4 o’clock Pageant Service
9 o’clock Meditative service with Communion