St. Peter's Episcopal Church

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The Seasons of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany | The Feast of Saint Nicholas

The Season of Advent

The season of Advent is a special time when we not only prepare to celebrate Christ's birth, but also to look toward to His second coming in glory.  Advent celebrates the beginning and the end.  It marks the beginning of the church year, yet gives us a glimpse into the glorious future of God.  For it is only after we consider Jesus' second coming in glory that we are prepared to celebrate his first coming, helpless in a manger.

The Advent Wreath

Sometimes the words of the Christmas story become too familiar and predictable.  We've heard them all before, and rather than truly listen, our minds are filled with thoughts of the present--not the past.  We may feel removed from the real people and events of two thousand years ago. 

Each Sunday in Advent, the Advent Wreath will be lighted at the 10AM service by one of our Drama Ministry members, portraying a Biblical character who in some way is part of the Christmas story. 

Advent I - Hope, Shepherd
Advent II - Peace, Joseph
Advent III - Joy, Mary
Advent IV - Love, Elizabeth

Sundays in Advent

Advent 1 - November 29

	9AM	Holy Eucharist - Rite I/Morning Prayer
		Advent Wreath - Shepherd

Advent 2 - December 6th

	9AM	Holy Eucharist - Rite II/Morning Prayer
		Advent Wreath - Joseph

Advent 3 - December 13th

	9AM	Holy Eucharist - Rite II/Morning Prayer
		Advent Wreath - Mary

Advent 4 - December 20th

	9AM	Holy Eucharist - Rite II/Morning Prayer
		Advent Wreath - Elizabeth

The Season of Christmas

A twelve-day celebration of an event that happened more than 2000 years ago - the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Because of that blessed event, we have been given meaning and purpose in this life; and the promise of eternal life in the next.  That is why we sing, "Joy to the World, the Lord is come...!"

Christmas Eve

Thursday, December 24th

	7PM	Christmas Eve worship Holy Eucharist - Rite II/Evening Prayer
		This year, due to Covid, the Children's Christmas Eve worship will combine with the later service, and begin at 7PM

            

Other Seasonal Activities

The Angel Tree
Choose a name from the Angel Tree located in the parish hall.  Buy a gift for a child in need. Wrap it, tag it, and bring it to church by Sunday, December 13th. The gifts will be delivered to the "4 Kids" organization who will distribute them to children in need before Christmas morning.

Tree Trimming
Saturday, December 5th
Everyone is invited to join our children and youth to decorate the Christmas tree.  We meet in the parish hall at 10AM to decorate.

St. Nicholas
Sunday, December 6th
St. Nicholas visits St. Peter's at 9am with gifts for all!

The Season of Epiphany

Epiphany means "showing forth", and the Epiphany season begins with the revelation of Jesus to the Gentiles, specifically the magi (wise men) of Matthew's Gospel.  Epiphany proclaims Jesus as the Savior of the whole world and the Church as the new people of God, with God's salvation promises now applying to all the peoples of the earth.

Sunday, January 3rd - Epiphany Sunday

	9AM	Holy Eucharist Rite I/Morning Prayer
	10AM	Annual Parish Meeting

Religious Symbolism of "The 12 Days of Christmas"

1	True Love refers to God
2	Turtle Doves refers to the Old and New Testaments
3	French Hens refers to Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues
4	Calling Birds refers to the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists
5	Golden Rings refers to the first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace.
6	Geese A-laying refers to the six days of creation
7	Swans A-swimming refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments
8	Maids A-milking refers to the eight beatitudes
9	Ladies Dancing refers to the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
10	Lords A-leaping refers to the ten commandments
11	Pipers Piping refers to the eleven faithful apostles
12	Drummers Drumming refers to the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed

The Gifts of the Magi

Gold:  The possession of royalty/Kingship.  Symbolic of Jesus as the King of Kings.

Frankincense:  Resin of the "arbor thuris" (the incense tree).  It was used by the priest in sacrifices.  The image is from Isaiah's description of God's Throne room--a smoke-filled room.  Symbolic of Jesus as the Great High Priest and of his being sacrificed for our sins.

Myrrh:  Resin from leaves of the "cistus rose".  The oil is used to make perfumes and some cosmetics.  It could be mixed with wine to serve as a pain killer, but was most frequently used as a spice to anoint dead bodies for burial.  Symbolic of Jesus' anointing before his death.

The Magi:  Probably from Persia, may or may not be kings; may have served in the king's court.

Considered scholars or "wise men", very knowledgeable about the sciences and astrology.

Believed that any abnormal action in the heavens (i.e. the appearance of a bright star) meant the birth of someone significant or some significant event has taken place.  This is why they followed with interest the star.  Brought their gifts because they assumed it would be a king.

Probably did not arrive at Bethlehem on the night Jesus was born.  It may have been as long as two years later.  They came to the "house" where the "child" was, as opposed to the shepherds who saw a "babe" in a "manger".

Visited King Herod before they found Jesus to inquire about his birth.  Herod told them to return to him when they found Jesus so that he, too, could worship him.  But the magi were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, but to leave by another way.  Herod's intent was to kill Jesus rather than worship him.

The magi were Gentiles (non-Jews).  They are significant because they are a reminder that Jesus was born (and died) for all people.  Epiphany means "showing forth" or "revealed".