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Happy Christian New Year!
Advent means “coming” or “arrival”
Over the course of these next four weeks, the Church turns its focus toward the first and second comings of Jesus Christ. During this time, we will prepare ourselves for Christmas by longing together for the Messiah and renewing a desire for his presence in our lives. We pray and prepare together as a symbol of the kind of life brought by our Messiah. Not just looking back, but also looking forward to “The blessed hope of His glorious appearing." Christ has come, He is with us, and He will come again.
Symbolism:
Purple: The main color for the season of Advent is purple. This color communicate the majesty which heralds the coming of the King of Kings.
Evergreens: Ancient symbol of immortality, life and growth in Christ.
Circle: Symbolizes the eternity of God and unending life
Light: A symbol of God's presence
Darkness: The opposite of light, a symbol of God's absence. Darkness stands for the lack of salvation which is overcome by the arrival of Christ the Messiah (Isa.9:2, Romans 13:12). It also reminds that we are still waiting for his second advent.
A New Start to the Christian Year (Year A):
A new year starts this week! Download a free single sheet liturgical calendar for 2016-2017. This resource was created by San Fransisco artist Barbara Lyon. Many thanks for her permission to use this wonderful resource.
Download with dates and descriptions
Download with dates
Happy Thanksgiving (November 24, 2016)
A Prayer of Thanksgiving (from the Book of Common Prayer)
Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.
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