Advent

A season of waiting and expectation

What is Advent?

Did you know that Advent is the start of the Church year? The first Sunday in Advent, which changes every year, marks the first day of Advent. The season of Advent starts four Sundays before Christmas Day on December 25.

The word “Advent” comes from a Latin word meaning “coming or arrival,” which can point to two different comings of our Lord. Those in the Old Testament waited in expectation for a Savior to come, and this promise was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. Today, we can reflect on their time of waiting while also leaning into our own expectation of the Second Coming of Christ, when He will come to judge the living and the dead.

Read this article from Anglican Compass to learn more about Advent, what it means, and how we can prepare our hearts to participate in it.

Events to Celebrate Advent & Christmas

Advent Wreath Making

Sunday, December 1 | After each service

Let’s prepare for the season of Advent by making our own Advent wreaths! Join us after either service down in the basement. We will provide the greens, wire, and candles (for free). If you have your own small garden clippers and wreath metal rings, please bring those to use. You’re welcome to stick around and fellowship over hot cider and munchies. We will also share ways you can celebrate Advent in your home this season.

Christmas Pageant & Pie

Sunday, December 22 | 7-9pm

All are invited to come and watch the performance! Every other year, Kids of the Cross prepares a Christmas Pageant for our church and the local Hopkins community to enjoy. In this way, we “put on flesh” to embody the familiar roles. We invite all to watch and wonder about our Savior’s miraculous birth. Our time will include carols, Scripture reading, and communion. Please stick around afterward in the Great Hall for hot drinks and pie!

(NOTE: Because of this service, we will only have one Sunday morning service at 10am this day.)

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Tuesday, December 24 | 3pm or 5pm

Come and celebrate the coming of Christ during one of our traditional candlelight services. Each service includes Christmas carols, Scripture readings, a Christmas message, and communion.

“Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding, Christ is nigh, it seems to say; ‘Cast away the works of darkness, O ye children of the day.’”

— Latin Hymn, sixth century

Recommended Advent Resources

Church of the Cross Resources

Advent Playlist

Christmas music is abundant, but what about Advent music? The worship team at Church of the Cross put together an Advent playlist you can enjoy as we wait in anticipation for Emmanuel. You can find it on Spotify or Apple Music.

Meaning of the Advent Wreath

A poster that explains what is an Advent wreath, its symbolism, and how it got started in Church history. You’re encouraged to print this and hang it near your Advent wreath at home. Download your copy.

Seasonal Devotionals & Books

Bright Evening Star by Madeleine L’Engle

L'Engle invites us on a spiritual adventure that leads to hope, joy, and a closer relationship with Jesus. "Christmas," says Madeleine L'Engle, "should be a time of awed silence." If you're looking for a unique and Christ-centered Christmas meditation, Bright Evening Star will be a rich and delightful discovery -- year round! Buy Locally | Buy on Amazon.

The Liturgical Home: Advent by Ashley Tumlin Wallace

Advent is the beginning of the Church year, but it is often neglected in the rush of shopping and holiday preparation. Why not slow down, and focus instead on the promises of God? Bring the hope of Advent to your home, with Ashley as your guide. Buy Locally | Buy on Amazon.

Faithful Families for Advent and Christmas: 100 Ways to Make the Season Sacred by Traci Smith

This book of faith practices for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany will help parents, grandparents, Sunday school teachers, pastors, and anyone who cares about kids find easy and meaningful ideas for bringing the sacred back into the season. Buy Locally | Buy on Amazon.