Advent is the first season of the liturgical (worship) calendar* for the church's year. Beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, the four weeks of the Advent season focus on the two comings of Christ: Jesus' birth which we celebrate on Christmas (December 25) and the second coming which will happen at an undefined time when all creation will experience the fulfillment of God's promises for love and life. Advent is a season of excited anticipation, fertile waiting, and the tension between what is and what is to come. During Advent we prepare ourselves for God's presence - within ourselves and in the world. Special colors, music, scripture readings, decorations, and traditions help inspire us throughout the Advent season. Through retreats, focused studies, celebrations,and acts of mercy, we practice Advent with body, mind, and spirit. Celebrating Advent Together at CUCC
*The liturgical calendar joins the lectionary (a three year cycle of readings from the Hebrew and Christian scriptures) in providing structure which helps us focus in worship on the major themes of both Jesus' ministry and Christian life. Both were developed over centuries in western European Christian traditions. Both are helpful tools, not requirements. By using the calendar and lectionary to plan our worship, study and work together, CUCC has a guide which helps us reflect on themes like waiting and hope (Advent), incarnation of God in human form (Christmas), repentance and forgiveness (Lent), deaths and resurrections (Holy Week and Easter), the coming of the Spirit to the church (Pentecost), and the everyday work of Christians and the church (ordinary time).
