Advent is a season observed in many churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. The term is an anglicized version of the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming.” It is the beginning of the Western liturgical year and commences on Advent Sunday.
Latin adventus is the translation of the Greek word parousia, commonly used in reference to the Second Coming of Christ. For Christians, the season of Advent anticipates the coming of Christ from two different perspectives. The season offers the opportunity to share in the ancient longing for the coming of the Messiah, and to be alert for his Second Coming.
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Giving during Advent
Jacob’s Well finds new ways to give each year during Advent. Activities such as the previous Advent Conspiracy which supported the work in Kenya, or toy drives with the Rosedale Ridge community provide pathways for Jacob’s Well members to give back and connect.
Events such as the Advent Workshop also allow the community to create sustainable and lasting gifts for friends and family. Check out the Events page for more details on this year’s events.
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Kids Community in Advent
This year, our grade school children will be joining us each week for a processional and lighting of the Advent candles. Grade school & middle school students will worship with the adult community throughout Advent.
Involving our children in what we normally think of as a space for adults to worship is a way to continue to include them in the church community as a whole. At Jacob’s Well, we believe that children of all ages are just as crucial to the health and formation of our community than any one else, so we’re always looking for engaging and practical ways to involve them with our adult community, beyond their own parents and Sunday teachers.
Advent is a great opportunity to do that, with all the excitement of Christmas. So in Advent, our kids will make art to decorate the sanctuary, participate in lighting the Advent candles, and engage in the worship gatherings with reflection sheets and journals provided to them each week. We love having our kids more present during Advent. If you have questions about Kids Community, contact Mimi Keel.
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Announcements
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