Greetings!
Thank you for continuing to journey with us through the season of Advent. You are now journeying together with members of over 60 different congregations in multiple dioceses. As we come together in reflection and prayer, we join our voices in praise as we await the joyful coming.
Christian Formation Commission |
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May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:5
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Have you ever been asked, "What is Advent?" The question may come from a child, a non-Christian, a Christian from a tradition that doesn't have liturgical seasons, or perhaps even from an Episcopalian. A common response is that Advent is the liturgical season of hopeful expectation: the season in which the church prepares itself to celebrate Christmas. I've seen more than a few blank looks on peoples' faces when they receive this response. Perhaps it's an answer can only be fully appreciate by those who already understand Advent and have participated in Advent. The church's preparation is not about the details of Christmas, but about a spiritual preparation. We are called into an intentional stirring up of our hearts and minds. The verse from Paul's Second Letter to the Thessalonians is a fitting summary of our spiritual preparation that we, and the church, undertake each Advent.
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Prayer
Stir up your power in us, O God,
and direct us to remember your love
and the steadfastness of Christ:
let your bountiful grace be upon us as
we await the celebration the birth of our savior. Amen
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