“Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord.” Isaiah 40:31

Dear Friends,

We’re getting a head start. Advent, the season of preparation, of getting ready, of building strength as we wait upon the miracle and hope of the Lord’s coming in the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas day, begins on Sunday. But, on Friday, we’re celebrating the beginning of Advent with an Advent Family Weekend! All are invited and no one wants to miss this head start to Advent.

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Friday nightwe’ll begin with a pot luck dinner. Come at 6:00 p.m. and bring a dish if you’d like. Following dinner we’ll spend some time with a favorite Advent Bible Story,John the Baptist giving everyone a good scolding about preparing for Christmas! Family craftsare to follow, then, home early enough for a good night’s rest. Because, Saturdaywe’re up and at it again from 9:00-Noon, as Santaand Santa’s helpers are here. Have your picture taken with Santa, (a $25.00 donation for photos is suggested) enjoy snacks and especially the Advent Reflection Stationsto engage adults and children. Learn more about Advent Family Weekend: http://epiphanyec.org/afw/

Sunday, there’s more as we begin Advent. Family Worshipat 10:00 a.m. promises a waiting and getting ready story from Dana as she teaches Advent through Godly Play. We’ll light the Advent Wreath candle and prayer the prayer for the first Sunday in Advent.

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And/or Sunday evening at 5:30 p.m. come to Blue Christmas.Sometimes as we prepare for Christmas we’re aware of the “blue” feelings we have at Christmas. The memories of our past Christmases and even our present Christmas is filled with pain and sadness. Christmas Eve, or Christmas Day, or the start of a new year may not bring the hope we so long for. So, on Sunday evening, we’ll just set aside our worship time with quiet reflection, and sacred meditative music with guest celloist Allison Devereux, violinist Rami Kanaan and our own Jiji Park on the pianoas their holy sounds bring healing balm. For many who have lost a loved one, the Advent season is a time of sharp loneliness. For others, who have lost a relationship, health, a job, or had a financial setback, it may be a time of pain, confusion, or fear. May this time of quiet reflection bring you peace and give you strength as we wait upon the Lord. Make Blue Christmas a blessed priority on Sunday night as you begin your Advent season.

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The apostle Paul writes to the young church in Thessalonia as they struggle to hold onto the blessing of God incarnate in the person of Jesus Christ and await his return. Proudly Paul writes to his newly born church, the first of many, many letters to the early church along the way. Preparing for the coming of the Lord in a season of discord, doubt and unbelief is a time of concern and one we certainly witness today. As the church readies itself for Christ’s return, Paul prayerfully delivers the assurance of God: “…may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness…at the coming of our Lord Jesus…” We as faithful followers of Christ now find strength in our waiting for Christ to be born among us once again in a world where we so desire a new life, especially in Christ, who comes to us with hope. Over these next weeks of Advent, may our waiting actually manifest itself as intentional actionabout the work of planting the kingdom of God.

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The stores and advertisements have us ready for Christmas already. Resist and, instead, take on Advent on as a discipline.Watch on Epiphany’s Facebook for daily devotionals.Let weekly worshipfill you with hope. Remember to gather at your table with loved ones, light a candle and say a prayerfor each week of Advent. Find strength through Advent Family Weekend. Let healing balm caress your sin sick soul with Blue Christmas. Let prayer be intentional.

Cynthia Bourgeault suggests the following: To the extent that your intention is clear and strong, your practice will be also. If your intention gets muddled and consumed, so will your practice. …You are simply asked to attend, to give yourself completely into that deeper, mysterious presence.”(from Chapter 12, The Wisdom Jesus,) Share with me your disciplines that we may share them with others. Welcome to Advent and may your strength rise as you wait actively upon the Lord.

I look forward to traveling through this most holy season with you.

Many blessings,

Hillary