We are really looking forward to celebrating Advent together as a church this year. Before the season comes, we wanted to make you aware of some of our plans so that you can prepare.
First, each Sunday during Advent we will dedicate more time than we normally do for singing. In the beginning of Luke's gospel, the Advent of Christ ushers in great celebration through song. The angels sing, "Glory to God in the highest" (Luke 2:14), Mary sings a song of gratitude and praise (Luke 1:46-55), the shepherds sing as they return from beholding the Lord (Luke 2:20), as do Anna and Simeon in the temple when Jesus arrives (Luke 2:28-32). We love to sing at Christmas time, and in God's kindness, we have wonderful songs to help us do that.
December 4th will be our annual Lessons and Carols service with our choir.
December 18th will include a children's choir (1st-5th graders) and a message for the kids.
We will have our annual Christmas Eve service at 5pm on the 24th, and we will enjoy the Lord's Day as a church on the 25th, but will meet an hour later (11am-12pm) to serve families who want to use that morning together.
We will have Advent resources available for you in the bookstore to help you seize intentional time in your devotions or with your families and friends. We are also teaching a special Advent Cornerstone U on Nov. 27, and Dec. 4th, 11th, and 18th to celebrate Christ's incarnation.
All in all, we are eager and expectant of what the Lord will accomplish in our time together as a church this Advent. God is faithful. He has proven it time and again, and He will be faithful to bless our gatherings this Christmas season — all for His glory and for the good of those He has purchased through the blood of His Son, our Savior, Emmanuel, Jesus.
