Advent 2021

What do you think and feel when you hear the word, Christmas?  Do you think of things like Christmas trees, family gatherings, shopping, carolling, and eating?  Do you feel the warmth of Christmas memories from year’s past?

Is there any part of you, though, that feels like the merriness of Christmas is but a fleeting distraction from the pain, brokenness, and hurt that exists in our world?  That just below the surface of the presents and the eating and the decorations is the same old life that has become uninspiring?

If so - welcome to Advent, the period of time in the church calendar that recognizes just how dark the world can be.  This period of anticipation before Christmas reminds us that the brightness of Christ exploded into this dark world 2000 years ago, and will do so again in the future.

What if this Christmas was different than all the rest?  What if Christ’s light came home to you in a deeper way than ever before this year?  Don’t just survive this Christmas season, thrive in it.

Welcome to Advent.