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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".