The Advent and Christmastide Season (Christology)
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Advent-Christmastide 2015
Advent/Christmastide 2015-2016 Unless otherwise noted, all I John: Darkness & Light Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. I John 1:5 In elementary school, we learn that ordinary light can be split up into many colors (seven, to be exact). All of these colors combine wonderfully to give us the full spectrum light we experience each day in the rays of the sun. Full spectrum light is full, complex, and rich. It brings life and flourishing everywhere it travels. Take it away, and the world would eventually be enshrouded in death. Each year as fall turns into winter and the days get progressively shorter, many of us begin to experience the toll that darkness takes upon us. Our mood sinks and we can find it harder to go about the daily tasks of life. We begin to long for the return of the healing light of the sun. Certain types of artificial light try to mimic what the sun can do, but they are, in the end, cheap and garish substitutes for the real thing. The biblical narrative tells a story of a world that was enveloped in darkness―a darkness of sin, prideful autonomy, and foolish efforts to create our own light. And, into this great darkness, God―the true Light―has come. Jesus is the Light that has come into our darkness. His light is full, complex and rich. -
The Epiphany Gospels MICHAEL ROGNESS
Word & World Volume 24, Number 1 Winter 2004 Texts in Context “You are my Son, the Beloved”: The Epiphany Gospels MICHAEL ROGNESS he Epiphany season is placed awkwardly between the pillars of Christmas and Lent, generally a somewhat down time in pastoral activity. Among early Greek Christians, however, this season focused on Jesus’ baptism as the manifestation of his true person and mission. As a church festival it ranked right up there with Easter and Pentecost. The Western or Latin church shifted the emphasis of Epiphany to Jesus’ manifestation to the Gentiles, marked by the visit of the foreign magi from the East, those strange astrologers who saw the star (or conjunction of planets) announcing the birth of a king among the Hebrews. Therefore Matt 2:1–12 launches the Epiph- any story. This puzzles listeners in the pews, because our image of the wise men has been formed by Sunday School Christmas tableaus, with three boys standing to one side of the manger draped in their parents’ bathrobes and holding aluminum- foil-wrapped boxes as presents for the Bethlehem child. By December 26 we’re done with the wise men, but here they come again, twelve days later, singing “We Three Kings of Orient Are.” It’s an odd chronology, though probably not a problem for most Protestant churches, since few of us will actually worship on January 6 itself! FIRST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD): LUKE 3:15–17, 21–22 The Epiphany theme begins more logically with the baptism of Jesus. This year’s sequence will strike the preacher as odd, however, since the Gospel lessons of As the season of Epiphany progresses, the appointed Gospel readings make clearer and clearer the meaning of the voice at Jesus’ baptism: “You are my Son, the Beloved.” The preacher’s task is to present this message as fully as possible. -
Advent-Bulletin-Week-One
The Meaning of Advent We have all done a lot of waiting in these past months – An Advent Tradition for waiting for different levels of restrictions to pass by, waiting for daily Church and Home: figures from the government, waiting to be able to visit loved ones again, waiting for news of a vaccine or a cure. The season of Advent is also a time of waiting. But, in contrast to much of the waiting we have had to do this year, our advent waiting is characterised by hope and expectation and joy. And this is because we are waiting in confidence for One who has already come to us, who is daily coming to us and who will come to us again – THE ADVENT WREATH Jesus Christ. The advent wreath has a rich meaning. The word 'Advent' stems from the Latin 'Adventus,' meaning The circle of the wreath, with no 'coming’ or ‘arrival’. In the Church calendar, the First Sunday of Advent beginning or end, symbolises the marks the beginning of a new year. Over the Four Sundays of the eternity of God. The evergreen Advent season we ready ourselves for the joy of Christmas when we reminds us of the everlasting life we remember and commemorate the birth of Christ. But Advent is also have in Christ while any pine cones or about preparing ourselves for His second coming. We are reminded of pods in the wreath represent new life this second coming in many phrases that we hear or say at Mass, for and resurrection. The four candles example ‘as we look forward to his second coming’, ‘when he comes represent the four Sundays of Advent. -
Epiphany in Australia Epiphany Is a Christian Observance in Countries Such As Australia on January 6 Each Year
Epiphany in Australia Epiphany is a Christian observance in countries such as Australia on January 6 each year. It commemorates the three wise men’s (or kings’) visit to Jesus after his birth, as told in the Christian bible. This feast is also known as the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Various artwork relating to Epiphany often show the three wise men (or kings). ©iStockphoto.com/kim258 What Do People Do? Many churches, particularly Catholic churches, in Australia have special Epiphany services on or around January 6 each year. Many Epiphany church services focus on the three wise men’s (or kings’) visit to Jesus after his birth. However, many churches also focus on the theme of Jesus’ baptism, in which Jesus’ public life begins with his baptism by John the Baptist. Some churches may have social gatherings, including morning teas, after an Epiphany church service. Background Epiphany commemorates the first two occasions on which Jesus’ divinity, according to Christian belief, was manifested: when the three kings visited infant Jesus in Bethlehem, and when John the Baptist baptized him in the River Jordan. The Roman Catholic and Protestant churches emphasize the visit of the Magi when they celebrate the Epiphany. The Eastern Orthodox churches focus on Jesus’ baptism. Symbols Various paintings, artworks and sketches show the three wise men and Jesus. Some paintings artworks show the three wise men on the way to Bethlehem or adoring baby Jesus. The kings are important because their visit illustrates that Jesus was the king of all kings who came for the Jews and the Gentiles. -
The First Sunday in Advent Read
Sunday 29th November – The First Sunday in Advent Read: Mark 13:24-37 Today is the first Sunday in Advent which means there are only 4 Sundays left until Christmas! Advent is a very special time in Church – it is a time to count down to the celebrations of Christmas, a chance to get prepared, and a chance to learn more together. It can be very easy to get swept up in presents and decorations – both of which play an important part in Christmas, but we need to remember why we celebrate in the first place. Take time over Advent to learn more about the Christmas story and be prepared to celebrate! Our reading today talks about time – no one knows when Jesus will return, but we do know when Advent is, be sure to use this time wisely. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eC0FGQLBp7w (Busted halo) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y_sElib8YA (Whirl Kids) What is Advent? How long does it last? What happens during Advent? Why did the Whirl Kids want Advent to go faster? Was it a good idea to rush through Advent? Do: Make an Advent Calendar - https://craftingthewordofgod.com/2016/12/03/christmas-nativity- calander/ Colouring Wreath - http://www.freefunchristmas.com/christmas-coloring-pages/advent-wreath- coloring-page/ Wordsearch - https://sermons4kids.com/waiting_place_wordsearch.htm?fromSermonId=468 Pray: Heavenly Father, through this season of Advent, we prepare for our Christmas celebrations of the birth of your Son Jesus Christ. In all the bust times help us to see the importance of your love for us. -
To Download a PDF Version of This Booklet
very year, we say Advent is a time of spiritual preparation Efor Christmas. But what needs to be prepared? If not the presents we’ll give or the food we’ll make to celebrate, what needs to be tended in the weeks before the holy day? It is our own sense of being. Advent, which means “beginning,” allows us time and space to nurture a fragile, new understanding of who we truly are, as tenderly as we would care for a new baby. The story of Mary and Joseph and the divine child born in a manger has resonated with us for 2,000 years because we feel ourselves to be part of it. Christmas represents the divine child born in each of us and the divine attributes we can develop as we learn to express our God nature in human form. The four Sundays of Advent proclaim aspects of that divine nature—hope and faith, peace, love, and joy. The weekday messages will guide you in contemplating the attributes of Spirit in you. Our booklet continues through the 12 days of Christmas, to Epiphany on January 6, with an exploration of your 12 divine powers. YOUR SUPPORT As this unusual year draws to a close, we are especially attuned MAKES A DIFFERENCE to its lessons and legacies. We hope this booklet reawakens in you a sense of oneness with God and a knowing of yourself as Generous donations from friends like you allow us to make holy too. Unity literature available to those most in need of spiritual encouragement. -
A Service of Readings and Music for Advent Sunday 29 November 2020 from Thorpe St Andrew Parish Church
The Parish of Thorpe St Andrew A Service of Readings and Music for Advent Sunday 29 November 2020 from Thorpe St Andrew Parish Church Facebook LIVE Watching and waiting for the coming of the Messiah The Great ‘O’ Antiphons The great ‘O’ Antiphons, are sung chants used with the Magnificat antiphons used in the evening on the last seven days of Advent in Western Christian traditions. They are also used as the Alleluia verses in the Eucharist and have, as today, been used quite flexibly in introducing some of the themes of Advent, as the time of Christmas gets nearer. The hymn, ‘O come, o come, Emmanuel which we begin puts these in hymn form. The importance of the "O Antiphons" is twofold. First, each one is a title for the Messiah. Secondly, each one refers to the prophecy of Isaiah of the coming of the Messiah. Various passages of Scripture have been set with each antiphon, sung at this service. The original Latin (O Sapientia, O Adonai, O Radix Jesse, O Clavis David, O Oriens, O Rex Gentium, O Emmanuel) form an interesting acrostic if taken backwards: ERO CRAS This translates as "Tomorrow, I will be [there]", mirroring the theme of the antiphons. Some believe that this was deliberate and that therefore, Christ, whose coming we prepare for in Advent and whom we have addressed in these seven Messianic titles, now speaks to us, tomorrow, I will come. The O Antiphons not only bring intensity to our Advent preparation, but ultimately bring it to a joyful conclusion. It is hoped as we begin this season of Advent that as we reach it’s conclusion Christ will be to us Emmanuel – God with us. -
Diocese of Rockford in Addition, Please Consult the Ordo for the Province
Diocese of Rockford In addition, please consult the Ordo for the Province. 2009/2010 – Cycle C, Year II 1st Sunday of Advent – Sunday, November 29, 2009 Immaculate Conception – Tuesday, December 8, 2009 (Holy Day of Obligation) This is a holy day of obligation in the USA. It is our country’s and diocese’s principal patronal feast, it never falls under the “Monday/Saturday ruling” and the obligation to participate at Mass is never abrogated. To note, that ruling only applies to January 1(Mary Mother of God), August 15 (Assumption), November 1 (All Saints). Funeral Mass is not permitted on this day. Christmas Eve – Thursday, December 24, 2009 (Vigil Masses may be celebrated only AFTER 4:00 PM ) Texts for the Mass(es) after 4:00 PM on Wednesday, will properly be chosen from the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord B the Vigil Mass. After midnight, the Mass texts will be from the Mass at Midnight, the Mass at Dawn, and the Mass during the Day, respectively. The creche is to be displayed outside the sanctuary; it may be blessed at the Vigil Mass with the appropriate texts from the Book of Blessings (BB Chapter 48). Christmas Day – Friday, December 25, 2009 (Holy Day of Obligation) Funeral Mass is not permitted on this day. Mary, Mother of God – Friday, January 1, 2010 (Holy Day of Obligation) Since this falls on a Friday this year, it is a holy day of the obligation in the dioceses of the United States. Funeral Mass is not permitted on this day. -
Christmastide Devotional
THE MISSION OF CHRISTMAS A Christmastide Devotional Advent/Christmastide 2020 THE MISSION OF CHRISTMAS A Christmastide Devotional Advent/Christmastide 2020 Hope Church 2609 Seminole Road Columbia, SC 29210 hopechurchcola.org If you were like me, I grew up believing that 25 December was the end of the Christmas season. However, according to the Church calendar, it’s twelve days long! When you stop to think about it (if you have that time) it makes sense. Why, after an entire month of longing and waiting and remembering, would we celebrate for one day and be done? I would hope our celebration, not only spills over into the twelve days of Christmastide but that the hope and joy of Christmas would never leave our hearts. As with the Advent Worship Guide, this devotional was never intended to replace any regular study of the Word, but to supplement and be an addition to your regular time with the Lord. Each of these devotionals were written out of hearts that love the Lord and desire that all hearts are His alone. The hope is that you are not only encouraged in your walk with the Lord by the testimonies and encouragement from dear brothers and sisters at Hope Church but that a fire is stoked in your belly to go and tell. Go and tell your neighbor. Go and tell your friend. Go and tell the family member that you see only during the holidays. Go and tell! May this be our heartbeat. May we not be ashamed of the gospel! May we be compelled to tell everyone we meet that the King has come and He’s going to come back! He will right all the wrongs. -
Pfingsten I Pentecost
HAVE GERMAN WILL TRAVEL Feie1iag PFINGSTEN I PENTECOST Pentecost is also the Greek name for Jewish Feast of Weeks (Shavuot), falling on the 50th day of Passover. It was during the Feast of Weeks that the first fruits of the grain harvest were presented (see Deuteronomy 16:9). New Testament references to Pentecost likely refer to the Jewish feast and not the Christian feast, which gradually developed during and after the Apostolic period. In the English speaking countries, Pentecost is also known as Whitsunday. The origin of this name is unclear, but may derive from the Old English word for "White Sunday," referring to the practice of baptizing converts clothed in white robes on the Sunday of Pentecost. In the English tradition, new converts were baptized on Easter, Pentecost, and All Saints Day, primarily for pragmatic purposes: people went to church these days. Alternatively, the name Whitsunday may have originally meant "Wisdom Sunday," since the Holy Spirit is traditionally viewed as the Wisdom of God, who bestows wisdom upon Christians at baptism. Pentecost (Ancient Greek: IlcvrrtKO<>Til [i\µtpa], Liturgical year Pentekoste [hemera}, "the fiftieth [day]") is the Greek Western name for the Feast of Weeks, a prominent feast in the calendar of ancient Israel celebrating the giving of the Law on Sinai. This feast is still celebrated in Judaism as • Advent Shavuot. Later, in the Christian liturgical year, it became • Christmastide a feast commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit • Epiphanytide upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ • Ordinary Time (120 in all), as described in the Acts of the Apostles 2:1- • Septuagesima/Pre-Lent/Shrovetide 31. -
Advent and Christmas 2016/2017
Office of Liturgy LITURGY ADVISORY FOR THE SEASONS OF ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS 2016/2017 The Season of Advent Advent has a twofold character, for it is a time of preparation for the Solemnities of Christmas, in which the First Coming of the Son of God to humanity is remembered, and likewise a time when, by remembrance of this, minds and hearts are led to look forward to Christ’s Second Coming at the end of time. For these two reasons, Advent is a period of devout and expectant delight. (Universal Norms on the Liturgical Year, 39) Advent begins with First Vespers (Evening Prayer I) of the Sunday that falls on or closest to November 30 and it ends before First Vespers (Evening Prayer I) of the Nativity of the Lord. (Norms, 40) The weekdays from December 17 up to and including December 24 are ordered in a more direct way to preparing for the Nativity of the Lord. (Norms, 42) 1 The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation During Advent the faithful should be encouraged to participate in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation in preparation for Christmas. The Rite of Penance provides examples for the use of Form 2 of this sacrament in communal celebrations. A penitential celebration should be scheduled during the season for the benefit of the faithful. Order of Celebrating Matrimony Whenever Marriage is celebrated within Mass, the Ritual Mass “The Celebration of Marriage” is used with sacred vestments of the color white or of a festive color. On those days listed in nos. 1 – 4 of the Table of Liturgical Days, however, the Mass of the day is used with its own readings, with inclusion of the Nuptial Blessing and, if appropriate, the proper formula for the final blessing. -
The Liturgical Year
The Liturgical Year The Liturgical Year The liturgical church year consists of an organization of Scripture readings and liturgical emphases that tell the story of Godʼs saving work in Jesus Christ in a recurring pattern. Within protestantism, the liturgical year has been organized in more than one way. At Christ Church, the liturgical year is divided into 7 distinct seasons. They are: The Season of Advent The Season of Christmas (sometimes called Christmastide) The Season of Epiphany The Season of Lent The Season of Easter (sometimes called Eastertide) The Season of Pentecost The Season of Dominiontide Liturgical Colors Liturgical colors are used in paraments (draped cloths) hung over the altar and lecterns and in other ways (ministerial/choir stoles, etc.) to call attention to each particular season and its emphasis. The variety of liturgical colors in the church arose from the mystical meaning attached to them in antiquity. Thus white, the symbol of light, typifies innocence and purity, joy and glory; red, the symbol of fire and blood, indicates the flames of the Holy Spirit and the blood of martyrs; green, the hue of plants and trees, bespeaks the hope of life eternal, as well as growth and vitality; violet (or purple), the gloomy cast of the mortified, denotes affliction, melancholy and penitence; while black, the universal emblem of mourning, signifies the sorrow of death and the somberness of the tomb. Originally, these were the only colors used in the church. Now, however, many churches (including our own) sometimes use blue and gold, as well as other colors. Blue is used in Advent to symbolize the peace and joy that the birth of the long-awaited Messiah brings; gold is sometimes used at Easter and on Christ the King Sunday to signify the royalty of the risen King of kings.