Advent and Christmas Seasons

The Christian year begins with the Season of Advent, the season of preparation for the coming of Christ’s light at Christmas.

Advent is designed to be a time apart, a season of peace and hope in which we listen deeply to God’s call in our hearts and ready ourselves for the birth of Love Incarnate in and amongst us all – Emanuel, God is with us. The season has a variety of activities each year. Some are more traditional and offer space for learning and reflection. Others are more contemporary and offer opportunities to gather and celebrate the joy of our lives.

Then, we celebrate the Christmas season that begins on the eve of December 25 and lasts for 12 days through the eve of the Epiphany on January 6.

Come and join us for the Seasons of Advent and Christmas this year.

		Advent Wreath Making Sundays: November 26 and December 3, after worship Stay after worship on November 26 and create an Advent Wreath for the coming season. Advent wreaths are a beautiful way to bring your Christian faith into your home and offer a space of quiet prayer during a busy season as we all prepare for the coming of Christ. Rev. Michelle will have a set of prayers to go along with your home practice of lighting the Advent Wreath. If you miss November 26, the supplies will be available on December 3 as well. For kids, pick up a paper Advent Wreath kit with special drawings ready to color and cut out.
		Advent Learning Series: The Way of Love Holy Cross/Santa Cruz and St. John’s Episcopal Churches 4 Thursday Evenings: Nov 30, Dec 7, Dec 14, Dec 21 Join members of both Episcopal congregations in Kingston for the season of Advent as we gather on Thursday nights to reflect on scripture, pray, and learn more about the Way of Love. A wonderful learning opportunity to learn and a beautiful way to deepen the community amongst both congregations. November 30 at 6:00 pm at St. John’s – potluck dinner kick-off! December 7 at 6:00 pm at Holy Cross Santa/Cruz. December 14 at 6:00 pm at St. John’s. December 21 at 6:00 pm at Holy Cross/Santa Cruz.
		Advent I: Sunday, December 3 at 10:00 am St. Nicholas Celebration and All Ages Worship Don’t forget to bring an extra shoe (or 2) on Sunday, December 3 because we’ll be celebrating St. Nicholas and talking about the surprise of gifts and blessings. Leave your shoes outside the sanctuary… and let’s see what happens!
		Advent II: Sunday, December 10 at 10:00 am Second Annual Cookie Exchange! Make 2 dozen (more or less) of your favorite Christmas cookies and bring them to church on December 10. Then, during coffee hour, choose your favorite cookies from the abundance so you have a beautiful selection of cookies for this year.
		Advent III: Sunday, December 17 at 10:00 am Greening the Sanctuary, after worship It’s all hands on deck on December 17. Stay after worship as we decorate with greenery and place our candles around our worship space to prepare for Christmas. We’ll have some warm chili ready to go that morning to keep up the energy for our work. Also, choir rehearsal after worship.
		Longest Night: A service of reflection, healing, and hope Wednesday, December 21, 6:30 pm in person and online A service of prayer, reflection, and healing for those dealing with loss of all kinds. We traditionally think of the holiday season as a time of joy and abundance, but for some the pressure to celebrate can be overwhelming. Life situations and loss can heighten feelings of worry and grief. This is a service of light in the midst of darkness and the interplay of both, scheduled on the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. Through music, silent meditation, scripture, and healing prayer, we reach out to acknowledge sadness with comfort and quiet remembrance, to reflect on the losses we have experienced and to remember together the real reason for the season: The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. God is with us. Whether you are having a difficult time this holiday season or just want a moment of quiet, please come. If you know someone who is sad, struggling, or alone, invite them to attend. Everyone is welcome.
		December 24: Advent IV and Christmas Eve 3 worship services, one day10:00 am Our final worship service of Advent is a spoken Eucharist. Come for a quiet, prayerful morning before the festivities begin. 4:00 pm Christmas Eve Family Worship is a sing-along and story-telling service designed for younger ears. Bring along friends and family and help us all tell the story together. 8:00 pm Christmas Eve Festive Choral Worship is when we pull out all the stops – a hymn-filled joyful celebration of Christ’s birth, including Silent Night by candlelight. This year, followed by a dessert reception! Carol singing and music recital begins at 7:30 pm.