Advent and Christmas Eve at Trinity
Welcome to the Season of Advent at Trinity United Methodist Church. Advent is the season of waiting and preparing. It is rich with symbolism. The season is marked by the color purple. The paraments on the lectern and the pulpit portray a crown and an olive branch, which reminds us that the One for whom we wait is the “Prince of Peace.” There is also the Advent wreath; its circular nature, with no beginning and no end, is reminiscent of God’s infinite nature and the eternal life found through faith in Christ.
The branches of the Advent wreath are symbolic of the promise of new life that comes with the spring. The color of each of the candles holds special meaning as well. Purple symbolizes expectation, royalty, and penitence, and the pink candle symbolizes joy. The white candle in the middle of the wreath symbolizes the purity of Christ’s light to the world.
Advent is a season of liminal space, a time of “already, but not yet.” Advent informs us simultaneously that we are both “there” and “not quite there.” Historically, we have experienced the “already” with Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago. But we simultaneously experience the “not yet” because we await.
We experience the “already” because Christ has established his kingdom on earth. But we wait in the “not yet” for Jesus to return to complete his promise and make all believers co-reigners in his eternal kingdom.
The season of Advent and Christmas can be for all of us a time of returning, a time of claiming our heritage as our own. It’s also a time to grow spiritually. I hope it will be for you a time for moving beyond belief to relationship, a more loving relationship to the people you meet, work and live with and a more loving relationship to God. Come join us on the Advent journey, you will be glad that you did!
Grace and Peace,
Rev. Dr. David V. Calhoun
Advent Wreath
Each Sunday during Advent, we will light the Advent Wreath during our worship service. The four candles in the circle represent hope, love, joy, and peace. The center white candle represents Christ's light in the world and will be lit on Christmas Eve.
Gifts from the Heart Maker's Market
On Sunday, December 7, Trinity members will offer handmade items for sale in the Community Gallery following the worship service. This is intended as an opportunity for shoppers to avoid some of the commercialism that surrounds the Christmas Season. The intergenerational group of vendors will donate a portion of their sales to the church. This market also gives Trinity artisans and craftspeople the chance to showcase their talents and it gives everyone the opportunity to get to know one another better as we browse and visit with the vendors. Articles for sale will include hand woven, knitted, crocheted, sewn, and quilted pieces. Also, art work, cards, baked goods, and homemade soaps.
Quiet Anticipation--an Advent Silent Retreat
Friday, December 19 from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Step away from the business of the Holiday Season to wait quietly with prayerful anticipation for the birth of Christ. Our time will include a small worship service, a time of silence where we meditate on the hope, peace, joy, and love offered to us through Jesus Christ, and close with a time of reflection and prayer.
Christmas Caroling
Members of the congregation are invited to join the Chancel and Chamber Choirs on December 21 for Christmas Caroling at the homes of shut-ins. We will gather in the choir room at 12:45 p.m. to carpool to the designated locations. This is a great way to take a break from the holiday rush and participate in an act of kindness. Our Director of Music Ministries, Dr. Bruce Glenny, is organizing this wonderful opportunity to bring joy to others.
Christmas Eve Services
There will be 3 unique Christmas Eve services at Trinity. We hope you will join us for one or more of these services as we offer the opportunity to worship in different ways.
5:30 p.m. Grace Chapel-- Children's and Family Service
8:00 p.m. Sanctuary--Traditional Candlelighting Service
10:00 p.m. Sanctuary--Candle Light Service of Lessons and Carols