Advent at St. Peter’s

Advent! This is a season of joyful preparation for the coming of the Lord, a time of conversion and renewal, a time of watching and waiting, a time of new beginnings.

The Advent Wreath— Lit candles are one of the most beautiful symbols of this season because they represent the presence of Christ in our midst. The Advent wreath at the front of the church has many rich symbols of the season. The circle has no beginning or ending, reminding us that God is everlasting. The evergreen wreath symbolizes life, growth and hope. The candles remind us to look within ourselves and to recognize the need for God to come into each of our lives.

“Candle Glowing.” This Moravian hymn is often sung at Moravian Christmas Eve candle services. The first of these services took place in Marienborn, Hessen for the children in 1747. The Rev. Allen W. Schattschneider (pastor, bishop, historian and teller of stories) wrote this hymn in 1939. Johann Georg Hille wrote the hymn tune in the 1700’s.

About our Eucharistic Prayer for Advent—Our Eucharistic Prayer during Advent will be Eucharistic Prayer 2 from Enriching our Worship 1. This Eucharistic Prayer contains the following mention of Mary. “You looked with favor upon Mary, your willing servant, that she might conceive and bear a son, Jesus the holy child of God,” lines particularly fitting for Advent.

Silence—During Advent, we will incorporate some spaces for silence during the service. Silence provides the opportunity for us to reflect and prepare for Christ’s coming in our hearts. Especially in this busy season of the year, silence in our lives tends to be a rarity, and we can easily forget to listen for God’s voice. Little bits of silence during our service remind us to seek space and silence each day so that we can more easily prepare to hear and see God at work in our lives.

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