What is Advent?
Check out this brief YouTube on Advent for an introduction to the season. It may not be celebrated the same way in all places (for example, we don't necessarily do "the pink candle" thing here at SSLC). But you'll get a good idea of what Advent is and what Advent ISN'T.
Advent at SSLC
Advent is a time of waiting and anticipation. We are waiting for the celebration of Christ's birth. We are anticipating Christmas.
But there is also a sense of waiting and anticipation of Christ's return, as well. Our celebration is not just of past historical events. We also anticipate a rebirth of Jesus' presence in our lives TODAY. We acknowledge a longing for Jesus' return SOMEDAY, as well--as it is written in the book of Revelation, "Never again will they hunger or thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes" (7:16-17, NIV). We reply, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus."
Here you will find a variety of resources and invitations for keeping Advent... for watching and waiting... with us.
But there is also a sense of waiting and anticipation of Christ's return, as well. Our celebration is not just of past historical events. We also anticipate a rebirth of Jesus' presence in our lives TODAY. We acknowledge a longing for Jesus' return SOMEDAY, as well--as it is written in the book of Revelation, "Never again will they hunger or thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes" (7:16-17, NIV). We reply, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus."
Here you will find a variety of resources and invitations for keeping Advent... for watching and waiting... with us.
Ways to Serve During AdventSpend any time connected to SSLC at all, and you are probably going to hear someone talk about some sort of service project that is happening in the community or through the congregation. One of our key faith practices is SERVICE. We believe we serve God when we serve other people.
In this section you will find some marvelous (and sometimes challenging) invitations to welcome Jesus' presence into the world and into your life. |
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is a church that is freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. With our hands, we do God’s work of restoring and reconciling communities in Jesus Christ’s name throughout the world.
ELCA Good Gifts is an alternative way of gift giving that goes beyond your regular congregational offering to support the ministries of the ELCA that mean the most to you and your loved ones. Together, we do more than we could ever do alone: grow the church, fight hunger and transform lives. Alternative gifts include livestock and animal husbandry training through God's Global Barnyard; mosquito netting and other ways of fighting malaria through the ELCA's Malaria Campaign; and/or clean water efforts. |