The Advent Season

Advent marks the beginning of a new liturgical year and we begin this new year by waiting and preparing.  The entire season is one of anticipation as we ready ourselves to receive the Good News of Jesus’ birth anew.  But, as with all of the Liturgical seasons, Advent’s themes are much deeper than meets the eye.   During this time of year, we are not just invited to wait for Christmas to arrive but to also consider the ways that waiting can be spiritual; the ways that intentional preparing can draw us closer to God.

The Advent Wreath is a prominent symbol during the Advent season and it carries profound symbolic significance.  Each week we light another candle and watch as the light in the sanctuary or in our home literally grows brighter, even as the sunlight grows dimmer as we move towards the darkest days of the year.

The message of this season is simple: even at times when the despair in our lives seem greatest we cultivate a faith that proclaims that God’s power is stronger.  Even when it may seem as if the entire world is becoming more and more bleak, we are watching and waiting with hope for God’s light to break in again.

Peace,
Pastor Nate Preisinger
November 27, 2023