ADVENT AT EMMANUEL
Advent Wreath Making
Sunday, November 28
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On Sunday November 28th before and after the service you will have an opportunity to make an Advent Wreath. We will provide all the necessary supplies and have “aides” there to assist if you choose. If you have a wreath form that you have used in the past and would like to use again, please bring it. If you would like a wreath but are unable to be there on the 28th please let Deacon Karulynn deacon(at)emmanuelgreenwood.org or the office know info(at)emmanuelgreenwood.org
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The Four Sundays in Advent
Sunday, November 28 | Sunday, December 5 | Sunday, December 12 | Sunday, December 19
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.
The Significance and Meaning of Wreaths in Advent
by Deacon Karulynn
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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. 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, love, joy and peace. The chosen prayers will provide insights into the designated word for each candle.
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 remind us of the crown of thorns, and one English legend tells of how the cross was made of holly. |
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A Less Is More Christmas Devotional
An at-home activity-focused family-friendly devotional
Christmas has become the biggest holiday in North America, and arguably the biggest in the world - and in many ways, it’s become a holiday of “more”: more presents, more stuff, more events, more expectations, more stress. But as it turns out, if we dial back the more, we get closer to the heart of Advent and Christmas. “A ‘Less is More’ Christmas Poster and Devotional” is a fun-filled, faith-filled way to help you and your family do exactly that! The poster is packed with activity ideas. Put it up on your fridge (or in some other prominent spot), and check off the activities as you do them, in no particular order. And the devotional includes simple weekly Advent services to help the family connect to the deeper meanings of the season, as well as handy instructions for some of the activities on the poster.
Available at Emmanuel starting Sunday, November 28th.
Available at Emmanuel starting Sunday, November 28th.
CHRISTMAS AT EMMANUEL
The Greening of the Church
Sunday, December 19, 2021 at 11:15 a.m. immediately following the Church Service
Christmas Eve
Family Service with Holy Eucharist
Friday, December 24, 2021 at 3:30 p.m.
WHAT TO EXPECT: A full service with the creche, festive decorations, carols, and Eucharist. The Gospel will be read in a few parts, during which anyone who wants to be part of the unrehearsed “pageant” may come forward and participate. Children (and children at heart) are encouraged to come to the service dressed as they would like for a visit with the Christ child. No pressure, we will have some nativity accoutrements to outfit or enhance whoever wants to take part.
Christmas Eve
Lessons & Carols Candlelight Service
Friday, December 24, 2021 at 5:30 p.m.
Christmas Eve
Holy Eucharist Candlelight Service
Friday, December 24, 2021 at 9:00 p.m.
