Advent and Christmas 2016/2017
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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. -
Fourth Sunday of Advent $36,705 Was Added to Our Capital Campaign Fund
participating. All pledges have been fulfilled. After meeting our $10,500 commitment to the Diocese, Fourth Sunday of Advent $36,705 was added to our Capital Campaign Fund. December 20, 2020 First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Psalm 24; Second Reading: Romans 16:25-27; Gospel of Luke 1:26-38 “May it be done to me according to your word.”—Luke 1:38 Like young Mary, each of us has the power to choose. We have the power to choose how we respond to the mysteries that come our way as we follow Christ. To love or not. To place our faith and trust in God or not. When we are confronted with choices to do God’s will, we can call these Mary Moments. Mary understood that there would be a cost. And the GOSPEL READINGS angel of GodThanksgiving said to her, “MorningDo not be Eucharist afraid, Mary, for you have found favor FOR THE WEEK with God. ” Listening to God’s word gives Mary peace and confidence in We will celebrate a special Mass in gratitude to God on Mon: Luke 1:39-45 God ’s presence and faithfulness. She responds with a loving and trusting Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 26 at 10:00 am. Tues: Luke 1:46-56 heart, “May it be done to me according to your word.” This final Sunday of You are welcome to bring any food items that will be Wed: Luke 1:57-66 Advent reminds us of the importance of opening our hearts to God’s love shared at your table for a special blessing, as well as to Thurs: Luke 2:1-14 in every Mary Moment that comes our way. -
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. -
Advent at Home 2020 We Wait for Jesus
We Wait for Jeus Advent 2020 to Epiphany 2021 At Home Worship Guide Advent to Epiphany At Home 2020 November 29, 2020 through January 6, 2021 Written by Talashia Keim Yoder Edited by Shana Peachey Boshart and Wil LaVeist Designed by Caleb Gingerich This material may be reproduced and adapted by Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Church USA congregations free of charge. If making changes, please add an explanatory note to acknowledge adaptations and credit those who made the changes. We would love to hear how you are using this material, and we are interested in your suggestions for making it more useful and accessible. Contact: Shana Peachey Boshart, Denominational Minister for Faith Formation, Mennonite Church USA 574-523-3070 [email protected] MennoniteUSA.org/FF © Talashia Keim Yoder and Mennonite Church USA Page 2 CONTENTS 4 Introduction 6 The Advent Wreath 8 Advent Week 1, November 29: Hope 10 Advent Week 2, December 6: Peace 13 Advent Week 3, December 13: Joy 15 Advent Week 4, December 20: Love 17 Christmas Day, December 25: Jesus 19 Christmas Week 2, January 3, 2021 21 Epiphany Day, January 6, 2021 Page 3 ADVENT AT HOME 2020 WE WAIT FOR JESUS Introducing Advent What is Advent? • The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming” or “visit.” In the season with this name, we keep in mind both “advents” of Christ: the first in Bethlehem and the second yet to come. • A time to remember we need a Savior. Without divine help, we are unable to live in peace with God, ourselves or each other. -
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. -
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. -
The Savior's Birth – a Nativity Skit
The Savior’s Birth – A Nativity Skit Narrator: Christmas fills our hearts with joy as we think of gifts, lights, and holiday spirit. But remember, Christmas means something more, it’s the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Let us travel back to Bethlehem and share the story of His birth. Audience: Sing “O Come All Ye Faithful” Narrator: And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed… And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem… to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. (Luke 2:1-5) Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem with their donkey while the audience sings, arriving at the first inn. Audience: Sing “O Little Town of Bethlehem” Joseph: Do you have any room in the inn? Inn Keeper #1: No, I’m sorry we are full. Try across the way. Joseph leads Mary to the next inn and knocks. Joseph: Please, do you have any room for us in your inn? Inn Keeper #2: We have too many guests already, we have no room. Joseph leads Mary to the third inn and knocks. Joseph: Do you have any room for us in your inn? We have come a long way and my wife is with child. Inn Keeper #3: All of our rooms are full. I have an empty stable out back you may use, it’s not much, but it will give you some shelter. -
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. -
Christmas and Easter Mini Test
Name: Date: 15 total marks Celebrations around the World: Christmas and Easter Mini Test 1. Name at least two countries where Christmas is celebrated. 21 marksmark 2. True or False? Christmas is always celebrated on 25th December. 1 mark 3. In Ethiopia, many people play a game called gena. What is gena? 1 mark 4. In Denmark, when do people celebrate the Christmas feast? 1 mark 5. In Mexico, what are set up several weeks before Christmas Day? 1 mark 6. In India, what do Christians decorate at Christmas time? 1 mark 7. Who introduced Christmas and Easter to Japan? 1 mark total for this page History | Year 3 | Celebrations around the World | Christmas and Easter | Lesson 6 8. Name at least two countries where Easter is celebrated. 2 marks 9. In Spain, why do people draw ash crosses on their foreheads? 1 mark 10. In the USA, where is an Easter egg rolling event held every year? 1 mark 11. In what country would you find Easter eggs hung on trees? 1 mark 12. Share one similarity between how you and how other people from around the world celebrate Easter. 1 mark 13. In your opinion, what does the Easter egg represent? 1 mark total for **END OF TEST** this page History | Year 3 | Celebrations around the World | Christmas and Easter | Lesson 6 Celebrations around the World: Christmas and Easter Mini Test Answers 1 Australia, Ethiopia, France, Denmark, Mexico, India, Japan 2 marks 2 False 1 mark 3 Gena is a kind of hockey. According to Ethiopian legend, gena was the 1 mark game played by the shepherds the night Jesus was born in Bethlehem. -
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. -
The Advent Wreath
THE ADVENT WREATH We know that ADVENT means COMING, and we know that Christmas is coming, but the season of Advent reminds us there is more to Christmas preparations than gift lists, frantic shopping, school plays and party schedules, etc. All the December activities make it easy to put off preparing our hearts for the true meaning of our Christmas celebration. The Advent wreath helps us keep a balance in our lives during the weeks of expectancy. The tradition of the family gathered around the table before a meal, lighting Advent candles, saying Advent prayers and sharing appropriate readings helps us to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Christ Child -- - as for many centuries God prepared the world for the birth of Jesus. The circle of the wreath reminds us that God has no beginning and no end. The evergreens represent the promise of eternal life. The candles represent Jesus’ overcoming the darkness of hatred and evil with the light of joy and love. The brief ritual described below, and on the following pages, is to be used each evening when the family gathers, beginning on the first of the four Sundays in Advent and continuing each day of the week. Adapt it if you like to include other prayers and verses. Some prefer to use “Advent Blue” candles. Other traditions use red or white. You may also choose to add a white “Christ candle” in the center to light on Christmas Eve. THE FIRST WEEK IN ADVENT A family member lights one (only) purple candle, saying: “I light this candle to remind us that we must prepare our hearts for the coming of the Christ Child.” COLLECT for the first week in Advent (said by all): “Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your son, Jesus Christ, came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. -
Order of Blessing of the Advent Wreath Within Mass
ORDER OF BLESSING OF THE ADVENT WREATH WITHIN MASS INTRODUCTION WHEN THE ADVENT WREATH IS USED IN CHURCH, IT SHOULD BE OF SUFFICIENT SIZE TO BE VISIBLE TO THE CONGREGATION. IT MAY BE SUSPENDED FROM THE CEILING OR PLACED ON A STAND. IF IT IS PLACED IN THE SANCTUARY OR PRESBYTERIUM, IT SHOULD NOT INTERFERE WITH THE CELEBRATION OF THE LITURGY, NOR SHOULD IT OBSCURE THE PRINCIPAL ELEMENTS OF THE ALTAR, LECTERN (AMBO), OR CHAIR. AFTER THE GOSPEL READING, THE CELEBRANT IN THE HOMILY, BASED ON THE SACRED TEXT AND PERTINENT TO THE PARTICULAR PLACE AND THE PEOPLE INVOLVED, EXPLAINS THE MEANING OF THE CELEBRATION. UNIVERSAL PRAYER THE UNIVERSAL PRAYER, OR GENERAL INTERCESSIONS, FOLLOWS, IN THE USUAL FORM OR IN THE FORM PROVIDED HERE. THE CELEBRANT CONCLUDES THE INTERCESSIONS WITH THE PRAYER OF BLESSING. FROM THE FOLLOWING INTENTIONS THOSE BEST FOR THE OCCASION MAY BE USED OR ADAPTED, OR OTHER INTENTIONS THAT APPLY TO THE PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES MAY BE COMPOSED. THE CELEBRANT SAYS: As we await with longing the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, dear brothers and sisters, let us with renewed devotion beseech his mercy, that, as he came into the world to bring the good news to the poor and heal the contrite heart, so in our own time, also, he may bring salvation to all I need. THE ASSISTING MINISTER SAYS THE INTENTION: That the keeping of Advent may open our hearts to God’s love, we pray to the Lord. AND THE PEOPLE RESPOND: Amen. ASSISTING MINISTER: That the light of Christ may penetrate the darkness of sin, we pray to the Lord.