Advent in Music

Dear Friends, 


We are in the midst of the Advent Season, and I would like to take a minute to talk about the music of Advent that you are hearing every Sunday this month. Advent is a time of waiting, of the desperate hopefulness of refugees, of the joyful yet fearful anticipation of birth, and of the liminal time between the announcement of something wonderful and its fruition.


The music I have been choosing for services has been largely from the “Advent” section of our hymnal - I only just recently learned that most Christmas carols aren’t traditionally considered appropriate during Advent, as they are songs for celebrating the birth of baby Jesus, and we just aren’t there yet in the church calendar. So as we progress through December, the songs have been about waiting and hoping: hoping for peace, waiting for good news, anticipating what has been promised. As we wait and hope, however, let’s remember that Advent is also the time when we prepare for celebration! As in our Advent children’s gathering song says, “Come, celebrate, come and prepare, for the coming of love, this day and every day!”


Of course in case you aren’t spiritually or otherwise invested in Advent, or just want to join in the fun, you are more than welcome to join me and others at the Holiday Sip and Sing, after church this Sunday, December 10, at Aviator Pizza (just down the street from the church at 4005 W Parmer Ln. Suite E). We’ll be outside in their large patio area, singing Christmas songs, Advent Songs, secular carols, all the favorites!


If we haven’t already met, I look forward to meeting each of you. If you have any questions, concerns, constructive criticism, or just want to say "Hi!", please reach out to me in person at church, at the Sip and Sing, via email, or on Facebook.


Peace be with you,
Julie Stiles