The Meaning of Advent
The word “Advent” comes from the Latin adventus, which means “coming” or “arrival.” As a season of the church year, Advent is the four weeks before Christmas that prepares us to celebrate the Nativity, the birth of Christ, on December 25th. Christmas is a big mystery. We do not understand how exactly God comes to be among us in human form. Taking time to prepare to celebrate Christmas allows us to enter more fully into the mystery. It is said, if we don’t take time to get ready for Christmas, we could “walk right by this mystery” without ever really experiencing it. And so, we spend the four weeks before Christmas anticipating and preparing for the coming of Christ. Advent has a double spiritual meaning. While anticipating the arrival of the birth of Jesus, we are also anticipating the arrival of the second coming, when Jesus will return to us. Churches using the Revised Common Lectionary will find both themes present in the Sunday lessons during the season of Advent.
Advent Resources to use at Home
Advent Enrichment: Come Reflect on Women in the Bible & their Role in the World’s Redemption
Led by Mother Pilar Parnell
Women in the Bible & their Role in the World’s Redemption
Mother Pilar Invites You to Come Reflect on the Women in theBible & their Role in the World’s Redemption Thursdays Dec. 5 at 5PM & Dec. 12,19 at 6:30PM in the Lakeside Room unless we have a lot of people then it will be held in the parish hall. St. James’ Family,please join me for our Advent Enrichment, Thursdays in Decemberfrom 6:30-7:30PM entitled: Women in the Bible & their Role in theWorld’s Redemption. This year I am leading a discussion focused onlesser talked about women in the Old and New Testament and howtheir calls as prophets, religious leaders, and saints among us have been part of God’s salvation of the world. Wewill talk about their call stories, how they prepared the world for the coming of Jesus, and how they were part ofleading the earliest Christians among us. I hope this study will be one that leaves you inspired, empowered, andjoyful. There is no need to prepare! This is something that you can come and just be part of.Whether you have read the bible or just hearit on Sundays, all are welcome! There willbe childcare available and if there are olderchildren that want to join and learn, pleasebring them in! Light refreshments will beprovided. I hope to see you there!Yours in Christ, Mother Pilar
MIDDAY MUSIC IS BACK! WEDNESDAYS 6PM ONLINE
The St. James’ talented musicians are bringing back midday music where each week there will be a video featuring a favorite music selection and reflection. The videos will be posted on Facebook weekly at 6PM. You can watch anytime you like or even twice! The season of Advent is filled with busy days-take a moment midweek to center and listen to some wonderful music from some of your favorite St. James’ musicians.
Fellowship Coffee Hours Sunday in Advent at 10AM
Come spread some joy and fellowship Sundays in the Parish Hall. It will be festively decorated and toys for the kids.
December 8: Second Sunday in Advent
7:30/9/10:45 Sunday Worship
10 AM: Fellowship Coffee
December 15: Third Sunday in Advent
7:30/9/10:45 Sunday Worship
9AM Mini-Saints & Saints-in-Training
10 AM: Fellowship Coffee/ 10:15AM Pageant Rehearsal
December 21: 11AM Pageant Rehearsal & Pizza
December 22: Fourth Sunday in Advent
7:30/9/10:45 Sunday Worship
9AM Mini-Saints & Saints-in-Training
10 AM: Fellowship Coffee/10:15AM FINAL Pageant Rehearsal
Organ Concerts at St. James’ during Dickens Festival
Nov. 30-Dec. 22
Saturdays 12:30PM & 2PM
Free Music at St. James’ – Syracuse AGO Chapter mini 30 minute recitals during the Dickens Festival –
AND
Music & Meditations Dec. 22 at 12:30PM
In the build-up to Christmas, sometimes the busy-ness of our lives obscures our experience of the wonder and mystery of the Incarnation. Join us at 12:30 p.m. on December 22 for an hour of contemplative music and readings as we enter the final week before the wonderful celebration of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. The program will feature both traditional and new interpretations of familiar carols and hymns as well as readings and prayers to focus our hearts and minds and provide a space for stillness in a time and culture that so often passes us by.
