Advent Anticipating
“Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!" -Matthew 21:9
As I shared in a recent sermon, here we are at the beginning of another Year of Grace. Advent begins another year dated back to the time of our Savior’s birth.
On Wednesday, December the 4th at 7:00 PM we begin our midweek series of Advent services in the St. John sanctuary. For this Advent season we will again share the Divine Service and the Vespers evening prayer. As Vespers is often associated with incense we will offer incense for our first Wednesday evening service. In the words of the historic Psalm prayer for Vespers, “Let my prayer rise before you as incense!” We will continue our midweek Advent celebrations at 7:00 PM each Wednesday in the sanctuary as we anticipate the Nativity of our Lord.
Advent anticipates Christ’s coming. We will soon celebrate on the eve of the Nativity, with our 5:00 PM Christmas Eve celebration. This service, joined with the familiar Lessons and Carols, will conclude with Holy Communion. We will also offer a special Christmas Day service at 10:00 AM. This is also a full service with Holy Communion. Each of our Christmas services offers different readings, hymnody, and a different sermon. Join us for each of these occasions as we share in the celebration.
Advent has to do with anticipation, expectation of God’s coming rescue for Advent anticipates the Nativity of our Savior!
Pastor