September 9, 2024

Advent is a season of waiting. Through special liturgies, services, symbolism, and songs, we are reminded that we live in the "in-between time" AFTER Christmas and BEFORE Jesus' return. 

Our waiting isn't passive. Instead, we are actively engaged with both Scripture and the world around us as we contemplate the miracle of God's presence with us--past, present, and future--in the four weeks leading up to Christmas.

Advent is a season of waiting, but it will be here before you know it. Twelve weeks from yesterday, to be exact.

Twelve weeks 'til Advent?? What are you waiting for?

Advent is an incredible opportunity for us to embody and to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. The weeks leading up to Christmas are already full (of sales and spectacles; community events and family gatherings;  parties and school obligations and nostalgic Christmas cartoons), but the Church offers gifts that not even Amazon can supply:

Advent is a wonderful opportunity for us (the Church) to be a breath of fresh air in a world that is trying desperately to catch its breath. Let's make the most of that opportunity!

The months leading up to Advent are busy.

Now that everyone is back in school, our children's programs and youth ministries kick into high gear again. Fall festivals and trunk-or-treats, World Communion Sunday, All Saints Day services, and Thanksgiving all require extra attention from us. As if that weren't enough, there are also Presbytery meetings to attend and church budgets to figure out, too. 

Despite our full calendars and busy days, we need to engage in prayerful planning for Advent. It's too important to simply "do what we've always done" without making sure that we're making the most of the opportunities this season provides.

Have you and your worship team done what you need to do to prepare for Advent?

Will you focus on a particular theme or Scripture this Advent? Are the candles ordered? Are the musicians on board? Have you figured out how the children will be involved? Do you have a plan to invite neighbors to join you for Advent services? 

Advent begins in TWELVE WEEKS. The time to prepare is NOW!

'Tis the season for traditions. There's comfort in doing the same thing year after year, but if you are just doing something "because we always do," maybe it's time to rethink why those traditions matter--and whether they are worth continuing.

Calvin Institute for Christian Worship has an excellent resource guide for Advent and Christmas services. Why not take an afternoon to explore some options?

Not feeling the Advent excitement yet? This short (2 minute) video introduction to Advent will help you remember why Advent matters.

Print out these Advent planning sheets--and start planning today!

The Louisa Woosley Preaching Initiative is a grant-funded program of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Our goal is to equip ministers and candidates for ministry to preach compelling sermons to today's diverse and often divided world. 

For more information about the initiative and our programs, visit our website.