Words for the Beginning Advent Worship Series

         Advent is a season of endings and beginnings. As the calendar draws to a close in December, a new church year begins. Christ’s birth ushers us into new ways of living and loving: and yet, the world as we know it continues – unsettled, unpredictable, with laughter, loss, and love.

In many ways, pregnant Mary was surrounded by endings – large and small, personal and political. But Mary proclaimed hope in a God who was and is making all things new. Christ’s birth offered a beautiful new beginning for shepherds and Magi alike – all the while, King Herod tried to bring Christ’s story to an end.

When we ourselves navigate seasons filled with endings and beginnings, we need reminders. We need words that can feel like steady ground, like a path for our feet to find as we step forward into the unknown.

Our Advent this year is entitled “Words for the Beginning: Advent Reminders for New Seasons.” This series is filled with blessings of words we need to hear again and again as we begin a new season. Imagine the words Mary would speak to her newborn son. What lessons and stories would she impart to baby Jesus? The weekly themes may feel like lessons we teach to children, but these are lessons we continue to learn and relearn as adults all our lives.

You are invited to enter Advent as if you are entering a new sacred chapter of life. Come and receive and hold fast to the reminders and blessings that will bolster you for the journey ahead. Our theme includes images of quilts and stars because this series feels like a quilt wrapped around you, providing warmth and comfort as you begin again. The star is a reminder of how God guides God’s people on the journey. May you find words of belovedness and hope, May you find words for beginning again. No matter what you are facing, no matter what this new season may bring, let us remember that love is our beginning.

Our ‘Words for the Beginning’ theme includes Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. If you enjoy meditative coloring, look for the Advent calendars at worship on Sundays. If you prefer a devotional, grab a printed copy from the church, or bookmark the online link in your weekly update email. The devotional includes poems, reflections, scriptures, and spiritual practices.