11-27-11 Listen
Order of Worship Announcements

Dear Friends:

This Sunday begins one of our “dark” seasons. We have two in the Christian year. One is Advent and the other is Lent. I suggest they are “dark” seasons, not because they are gloomy but more like the way the term “dark” is used in the theater.  A lot of shows “go dark” one night a week for rest and preparation. Advent is “dark” in that way. It is a season of preparation. We need Advent in order to get ready for Christmas.

As you will see in the sanctuary, the color for Advent is purple. Purple is often seen as a somber color, used in mourning; but it also has a depth and a richness that represents reflection and waiting.  The theme for the current liturgical decorations comes from Luke 21:25-28.  “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars… Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”  Faithful anticipation is what is summoned this season. For as we journey through the dark of Advent, we know that we will arrive, in due time, under the one star that shines its light down on the manger in Bethlehem.

During Advent, Rev. Mark and I will be preaching on the theme of The Christmas Conspiracy. Each week, we will look at one of the characters in the Christmas story who conspired or worked with God in faith and trust to usher in the birth of the Christ child. This Sunday, John the Baptist will be front and center as a harbinger of the salvation message that was inaugurated on that Christmas morning in Bethlehem. (Luke 3:1-6)

As a prelude to Christmas, one purpose of the Advent season is to impress upon us that Christmas deserves all the preparation that our hearts can muster. Outside of church, there are all sorts of distractions to turn the holy day of Christmas into just a holiday. That is one reason why we need each other around here this season – to be witnesses to the power of the biblical message over the secular message. 

So, as we begin this season of preparation, we look to our times of worship to keep us focused.  The advent wreath helps us keep pace.  The hymns offer direction and set the mood.  The scriptures herald the good news that God is with us through the saving gift of the baby Jesus.

 I look forward to traveling this Advent journey with you.

 Rev. Martha Wingfield