Advent is a season of endings and beginnings. As the calendar year comes to a close, a new church year begins. Christ’s birth ushers us into new ways of living and loving; and yet, the world as we know it spins madly on. In many ways, pregnant Mary was surrounded by endings—large and small, personal and political. But Mary proclaimed hope in a God who was and is making all things new. Christ’s birth offered a beautiful new beginning for shepherds and Magi alike—all the while, King Herod tried to bring Christ’s story to an end. When we ourselves navigate seasons filled with endings and beginnings, we need reminders. We need words that can feel like steady ground, like a path for our feet to find as we step forward into the unknown.
This is an Advent series filled with blessings, with the scriptures and reminders we need to hear again and again as we begin a new season. These reminders root us in the fundamental truths of our faith. Many of them are life lessons we teach to children—lessons that adults continue to learn and relearn. They may resemble the blessings we impart to loved ones during special ceremonies like weddings, graduations, or baptisms. And so, we invite you to move through this Advent season as if you are entering a sacred new chapter, holding fast to the reminders that will bolster you for the journey ahead.
As you journey through this season, may you find words for belovedness and hope. May you find words for beginning again. For no matter what you are facing, no matter what this new day brings, love is your beginning.
Advent Services:
Sunday December 1st 10:30am-1st Sunday of Advent: You are a Blessing
Sunday December 8th 10:30am-2nd Sunday of Advent: We Can’t Go Alone
Sunday December 15th 10:30am-Third Sunday of Advent: Do The good That Is Yours To Do
Wednesday December 18th 7:00pm-Blue Christmas Service: Hope Is Worth The Risk
Sunday December 22nd 10:30am-Fourth Sunday of Advent: Pageant Sunday
Tuesday December 24th Christmas Eve 4:00pm-Family Service
Tuesday December 24th Christmas Eve 9:00pm-Candelight Communion Service: Love Knows Your Name
Sunday December 29th 10:30am-Shared service at MacNeill Baptist Church (No service at Westdale)
January 5th 10:30am-Epiphany: The Road Isn’t Straight