Preparing for Advent

Advent: Preparing for Jesus’ birth

In the Christian church we anticipate the birth of Jesus using the ritual of the lighting of candles each Sunday: Hope, Peace, Joy, Love. Included in the newsletter this week is a liturgy that has been prepared by Judith Bricault from SouthWest for the monthly Community Celebration for families that can easily be done at home. There is a PDF Advent Wreath document with some paper copies available at the church. Reading, lighting an Advent Wreath, and offering a prayer as a home experience during this season prepares our hearts for this life changing birth. It is bilingual so all our families can benefit from it.

Advent summons us

with the exuberant hopefulness of a child.

Advent holds us spellbound with child-like wonder.

Advent challenges us to care for the littlest child.

Advent amazes us, for God was made known in a tiny child. (Celebrate God’s Presence)

In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. (Isaiah 40:3)

L’Avent comprend les quatre semaines précédant Noël. C’est le temps où, comme chrétiens, nous nous préparons à la venue de Jésus dans le monde. Jésus, la Lumière du monde.

Chaque dimanche nous allumerons une des bougies de la couronne de l’Avent, un cercle qui nous rappelle que l’amour de Dieu pour nous ne s’arrête jamais.

Advent includes the four weeks before Christmas, the time when we as Christians get ready for the birth of Jesus, the coming of Jesus’ light into the world.

During Advent we have the practice of lighting the Advent wreath. The wreath is in the shape of a circle to remind us that God’s love for us is never-ending