St John's Lutheran Church is observing the liturgical season of Advent beginning on Sunday 1 December 2024. From the Latin word for “coming”, Advent is a time of preparation and
anticipation for the coming of Christ both in the past in His incarnation as the baby Jesus, but also in the future with His promised second coming as Christ Triumphant.
Furthermore, Advent is a time to focus on His present coming to us in the Word and Sacraments. In the Lutheran church there have been many traditions observed during Advent that help Christians
to both prepare for and anticipate His coming at this time. Martin Luther encouraged families to observe Advent as a time for them to teach their children about the coming of Christ.
Advent marks the beginning of the church calendar. It traditionally starts on the Sunday closest to St. Andrew’s Day (November 30th) and continues for four Sundays until Christmas. During this
time the liturgical paraments and vestments in our Church will change to blue to recognise Advent as a time of preparation and repentance as well as a symbol of the royalty of the coming King.
The colour blue is also used as a symbol of anticipation and hope.
In preparation for Advent you are invited to join with Pastor Josh who will be leading a four-part Advent bible study series focussing on the biblical themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. Two different timeslots
are on offer. Study sessions will last approximately 90 minutes. Please bring your bible, notebook, and pen. See the notice for dates and times or pick up a bulletin from the Church.
The Season of Advent
St John’s Lutheran Church invites you to join with us each Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. as we celebrate Advent 2024.
1 December Week 1: Hope ✞ We light the purple candle of Hope. Our hope comes from God who will fill all with joy and peace. So it is
appropriate that the second Advent candle symbolises peace.
8 December Week 2: Peace ✞ We light the purple candle of Peace. Peace on earth, goodwill to men with the love of Jesus and the promise
of a Saviour who would be born in Bethlehem.
15 December Week 3: Joy ✞ We light the pink candle of Joy. The shepherds received a message of joy. It is a time to rejoice during
this time for the coming of the Lord is coming soon.
22 December Week 4: Love ✞ We light the purple candle of Love. The meaning of the fourth Advent candle is love. The Angel’s announce
the birth of the baby Jesus. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
