ADVENT AT EMMANUEL
Evening Prayer, Advent Wreath Making and Potluck Supper
Sunday, November 24 at 4:45pm
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Sunday, November 24, 4:45 pm-7pm Advent Wreath Making
Bring a dish to share. All wreath making supplies provided. If you prefer to use your own greens, you are welcome to take the wreath, candles and accessories. We look forward to continuing a particularly meaningful all age and stage Emmanuel family tradition. Questions? Contact Deacon Karulynn deacon(at)emmanuelgreenwood.org or the office know info(at)emmanuelgreenwood.org |
The Four Sundays in Advent
Sunday, December 1 | Sunday, December 8 | Sunday, December 15 | Sunday, December 22
Join us each Sunday as we journey together in the Advent season and light a candle on the wreath and study the scriptures and meanings of Hope, Love, Joy and Peace.
Why do we use wreaths in preparation for Christmas?
by Deacon Karulynn
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Songbirds know a thing or two about singing into darkness: in the wee hours of the morning, before the sun appears over the horizon, they begin a great symphony that scientists call the “dawn chorus.”
Advent is the church’s dawn chorus. We have shared a devotional with you that will walk with scripture through the season’s four weeks of hope, peace, joy, and love, singing into shadows and looking to the light. Why do we use wreaths in preparation for Christmas? What is the significance? Advent is the first season of the new church year for most Christian denominations. It is a season of preparation - preparing for the birth of Our Savior. We should take time to begin this season with a renewed commitment to our worship practices. The color of the paraments will change to blue, the hymns that we sing will have a different feeling and there will be greens instead of flowers at the altar. These changes are to provide food for thought, awaken our senses in preparation and appreciation. What better way than to light a candle with prayer each evening before dinner? The four candles have “designations” of hope, peace, joy, and love. The chosen prayers will provide insights into the designated word for each candle, singing into the shadows and looking to the light. A wreath has been used by Christians in this way since the middle ages. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life found in Christ. The evergreens used signify continuous life. Some specific evergreens have special meanings - Laurel signifies victory over persecution and suffering, pine, holly and yew, immortality and cedar, strength and healing. Holly also has a special Christian symbolism. The prickly leaves remains us of the crown of thorns, and one English legend legend tells of how the cross was made of holly. As this season approaches, I invite you to participate in the preparation of Christmas with the making and enjoying and Advent wreath-joining the songbirds singing into the darkness. |
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Starry Night, An Advent Devotional Resource will be available at Emmanuel
If you need assistance in locating a copy contact info(at)emmanuelgreenwood.org
CHRISTMAS AT EMMANUEL
The Greening of the Church
Sunday, December 22, 2024 immediately following the 10a.m. worship service
Work gloves may be helpful, no experience necessary
Questions: email the Dagners at crozetbulldogs(at)gmail.com
Questions: email the Dagners at crozetbulldogs(at)gmail.com
Christmas Eve
Holy Eucharist Family-friendly Service
Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at 3:00 p.m.
WHAT TO EXPECT: This service is particularly child friendly with interactive Christmas story telling. Everyone gets to be a star in the night sky for Silent Night. This is a great service for those who appreciate the wide-eyed wonder of all ages.
Christmas Eve
Lessons & Carols Candlelight Service
Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.
Christmas Eve
Holy Eucharist Candlelight Service
Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at 9:00 p.m.
