Tell Me More About Advent

What Is Advent About?

Welcome! I'm so glad you are joining us for a contemplative journey through Advent.

In the weeks before Christmas, believers around the world celebrate Advent: remembering the prophecies of Jesus's birth, lighting candles in the growing darkness, and singing carols in a minor key. Advent is a season of longing.

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.

Soon enough, Christmas will dawn. The kids will scramble for presents, the dogs will bark at snowflakes, and the whole world will feel brighter; after all, God has come to Earth.

Joy to the World!

But it isn't Christmas yet. In Advent, we honor the beautiful agony of liminal space—the time between God's promise and its fulfillment. Mary heard the angel, but she hasn't given birth. Israel received a promise, but the star isn't shining yet. The Light is coming, but the night's not quite over.

Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus.

In this Advent journey, we choose to slow down and enter the holy tension of waiting. For a few minutes every day, we will set aside our "to-do" lists and holiday activities. We'll close the door, light a candle, and grow still before the Lord. He will come to us, and the dawn will be sweeter for the darkness.

A thrill of hope; the weary world rejoices.