Advent and Christmas at St. John

Advent and Christmas at St. John Lutheran Church

The church year begins with Advent, the preparatory season before Christmas. It starts with the Sunday nearest St. Andrew’s Day, November 30, or the fourth Sunday before Christmas. This year the first Sunday in Advent is December 3rd. The propers of this penitential season refer to our Lord’s three “advents.” 1. His advent in “the fullness of time.” 2. His advent in His Word and Sacraments. 3. His advent at the end of time.

During this season, we are preparing for the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord (December 25th) where we celebrate the present reality that our God became a man to atone for our sins and to be raised from the dead for our justification. Congregations of the Lutheran Church have traditionally held additional worship services during the week with the hope that Christians will attend to assist their own preparation for the joys of Christmas.

Therefore, you are encouraged to make use of Advent customs that aid you in your devotion and, specifically, to make an increased use of the Means of Grace. Holy Communion is celebrated every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Sext (Midday prayer) will be prayed at noon on Wednesdays during the season of Advent. Vespers will also be prayed at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays during Advent. Supper will be served at 6:00 p.m. in the church basement before Vespers.

*Please note that there will be two Divine Services on Christmas Eve, December 24th.

St. John Lutheran Church Advent Service Schedule:

Sunday, December 3rd, The First Sunday in Advent – Ad Te Levavi

Divine Service, 9:00 a.m.

Wednesday, December 6

            Sext (Midday Prayer), 12:00 p.m.

            Congregational Dinner, 6:00 p.m.

            Vespers, 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 10, The Second Sunday in Advent – Populus Zion

            Divine Service, 9:00 a.m. 

Wednesday, December 13

            Sext (Midday Prayer), 12:00 p.m.

            Congregational Dinner, 6:00 p.m.

            Vespers, 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 17, The Third Sunday in Advent - Gaudete

            Divine Service, 9:00 a.m.

Wednesday, December 20

            Sext (Midday Prayer), 12:00 p.m.

            Congregational Dinner, 6:00 p.m.

            Vespers, 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 24, Christmas Eve

            Divine Service, 9:00 a.m.

Divine Service, 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 25, The Nativity of our Lord

            Divine Service, 9:00 a.m.