Advent and Christmas at St. John Lutheran Church
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 November 28th. 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 usually held extra 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. A prayer service will be held at noon on Wednesdays during the season of Advent. Vespers will also be prayed at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays during Advent. Solemn Vespers will be prayed Wednesday, December 22nd at 7:00 p.m. This year will also see the return of our midweek dinners prior to Vespers in the church basement, starting at 6:00 p.m.
St. John Lutheran Church Advent Service Schedule:
Sunday, November 28, The First Sunday in Advent – Ad Te Levavi
Divine Service, 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, December 1
Midweek Prayer Service, 12:00 p.m.
Congregational Dinner, 6:00 p.m.
Vespers, 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 5, The Second Sunday in Advent – Populus Zion
Divine Service, 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, December 8
Midweek Prayer Service, 12:00 p.m.
Congregational Dinner, 6:00 p.m.
Vespers, 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 12, The Third Sunday in Advent - Gaudete
Divine Service, 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, December 15
Midweek Prayer Service, 12:00 p.m.
Congregational Dinner, 6:00 p.m.
Vespers, 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 19, The Fourth Sunday in Advent - Rorate caeli
Divine Service, 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, December 22
Midweek Prayer Service, 12:00 p.m.
Congregational Dinner, 6:00 p.m.
Solemn Vespers, 7:00 p.m.
Friday, December 24, The Eve of the Nativity of our Lord
Divine Service, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 25, The Nativity of our Lord
Divine Service, 9:00 a.m.
