Advent 2024

A holy Advent is one with time set apart from demands of overwhelming depends of “holiday-shoulds.” Advent is found in moments of stillness and expectation for what is to come, the birth of a baby. A humble birth that has changed the narrative of our lives. It is a story of wonder. It is the life of Jesus.

We hope that you will join in faithful advent practices to prepare your heart for the newborn King of creation. Advent begins on December 1st which will be noted when our liturgical color change to blue. Find ways to lean into the wonder of advent at home and in community below.

Living Well Through Advent: Practicing Peace

The booklet is a devotional tool to assist you on your own journey through Advent that includes deep reflections on Practicing Peace from four featured writers.The theme for week one is deepening our understanding of peace; week two is making peace with ourselves; week three is becoming instruments of God’s peace; and week four in Advent is practicing peace as a “holy yes.” As important as are the daily readings, the personal reflections and insights that emerge in response to the readings are what matters most. When possible, talk or meet with others in the parish to discuss your thoughts. Pick up a hard copy at the church or download the PDF below.

Devotional PDF

Advent Prayer Practices

Advent should be a time of prayer, simplicity, and generosity.

  • Pray more. Join in the Daily Office each day or attend midweek Eucharist.
  • Read Scripture more. The Gospel of Luke has 24 chapters. Read one chapter a day until Christmas.
  • The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is a part of The Episcopal Church. Set a time for confession, or a spiritual conversation, with Fr. Michael.
  • Spent time in quiet during your day or pray the Jesus Prayer (also known as Prayer of the Heart).
  • Simplify the holiday season. What is causing you stress or unrest and how can you let go of it?
  • Prayerfully and intentionally shop. What are needs vs wants? How can you not go into debt?
  • Visit or call someone who is lonely. Spending time with someone is sometimes more precious than a physical gift.
  • Volunteer with an organization who feel passionate about.
  • Practice simple acts of kindness in the midst of the chaos of the season.

Adult Forum: The Saints of Advent

During the Advent Season we will be reflecting on some the major Advent saints. Come when you can, Sundays at 9 AM in the Deppich Room.

December 1: John the Baptist & Charles de Foucauld (a modern desert saint)

December 8: Nicholas of Myra

December 15: A meeting will be held about the Free Shared Meal (“The Gathering”).

December 22: Mary & Joseph

Advent Healing Eucharist

December 18, 7 PM

The Christmas Season is emotionally challenging for many. The Hallmark Christmas is not the reality for most people. In recent years, a special service happens near the Winter Solstice, the darkest day of the year, to remind us we all need healing. This year Christ Church will be hosting other local churches in a special time of prayer and healing. There will be a time for the Sacrament of Healing and Communion. This is also an opportunity to connect with other Christians throughout the area.

Why We Do What We Do: Advent

Advent comes from the Latin word “Adventus” or “the coming.” An Adventus was a procession in Roman times to prepare for the arrival of the emperor. Presently, we keep Advent as a time of preparation for the birth of Jesus. Currently celebrated as four weeks, it has varied from as little as two weeks to forty days, like the Eastern or Celtic Church keep. There is a movement in The Episcopal Church to return to the extended Advent as a way to counter act the present commercial season. The color used in many churches is either purple or blue. Blue is used to distinguish the season from Lent. It comes the ancient Sarum or English tradition, and reminds us of the winter sky, or the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The first half of Advent is dedicated to the coming of Jesus at the end of time. The last week of Advent we hear the stories leading up to the birth of Jesus. The O Antiphons, ancient chants, are used as a way to prepare for the coming of Christmas. These chants are now used in the hymn O Come, O Come Emmanuel. Advent wreaths were originally used in homes in Germany and then gradually made themselves into use in churches. There is no set number or color of candles as it changes from country to country. There might be 4 candles or 24 candles with the colors purple, pink, blue, red, or white.

Coloring Pages