Advent2023
"I sure wish I had more things to do this Christmas Season," said no one ever.
Traveling. Christmas concerts. Work parties. Decorating. Old friend meetups. Family traditions. Shopping. Serving. In the midst of all there is to do, if you’re like me, you might also have that perpetual stack of inspiring books in the corner that never seems to get whittled down. What a fitting visual example of all the good intentions we carry for making this season meaningful – intentions that can get pushed out by all of the "doing".
If we’re being honest, Water City Church’s Advent Box could be one more thing stacked on top of all the rest. But our hope is that this Advent Box will be a welcome interruption from all the stuff that crashes in on us during this season of preparation.
ADVENT comes from the Latin adventus, which simply means "coming; arrival". It is observed during the four weeks leading up to Christmas Day, and this year it begins on Sunday, December 3rd. In our observance of Advent, we join with the longing of those who waited for the birth of their Messiah in ages past, and with all who yearn for the promised Second Coming of Jesus the Christ yet to come.
This digital version of our Advent Box contains links to four unique reflections, each centered around one of the four traditional themes - hope, peace, joy, and love. At each week’s link, you will find a reading that will lead you through several elements of reflection:
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- a reflective reading
- a song
- Scripture
- an art reflection (take some time to look at the art and then let each person share their thoughts – remember there are no "right answers")
- a prayer
In the physical Advent Boxes we included four Advent candles. You will need four candles to light as you move through the weeks. Tea lights or votives will work. Typically there are three purple and one pink, but use what you've got. You will be prompted to light these candles throughout the coming weeks as you go through each week’s guide.
We encourage you to set a regular time for moving through each week’s reflection as you purposefully pause to shift your focus onto Christ.
May God himself, the God of peace,
make you perfect and holy,
and keep you safe and blameless, in spirit, soul and body,
for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen
Blessings,
Pastor Jason
Thank you to the Scottbergs and the Sullivans for helping to write this year’s reflections.