This last Sunday night we started the lighting of the advent wreath at Oxygen. It’s wonderful to explore some of the older church traditions together. Several weeks ago I was asked what we were planning on doing for the Christmas season at Oxygen. It got me thinking about all kinds of great traditions I have been exposed to throughout my life and advent has by far had the greatest meaning.
My earliest memories of Advent come from time spent at my Grand Parents country church in Washington. I can remember singing songs and the pastor reading some scripture those were all the normal things we did each week at church. After a few more songs an older couple stood up from the front row and read a poem about hope followed by a prayer asking God to help us be a people and thanking Him for the hope he gave in the birth of his son the Christ. So being a little boy anytime there was fire involved my interest was sparked. The ride home in my Grandpa’s old farm truck was full of question from me about the candles and the lighting and the wreath. I was very concerned that they had forgotten to put out the candle, but once those fears were squelched my Grandpa began explaining. He told me about the three purple candles. The first standing for Hope then Love and Peace. Then the pink candle to represent the Joy brought through Christ. The center candle being a white candle showing Christ as the center. All of the candles as part of an evergreen wreath to stand for the unchanging nature of God. It was allot for a little guy to take in but even then it I greatly enjoyed the Advent tradition.
Looking back at my own love of Advent it was an easy choice as a way for us at Oxygen to experience this Christmas season together. I hope that if your reading this and have not been part of the advent tradition in the past that perhaps you will explore this for yourself. It’s an easy tradition to learn about with a quick Google or two. Or if you are part of the Oxygen group or you are in college or college aged (18 – 26) then come by this coming Sunday night @ 7pm in the youth room here at Shoreline and join us for this celebration of Advent.
Pastor Andrew
Here’s a little special Christmas treat for you! Click the link!
This last Sunday night we started the lighting of the advent wreath at Oxygen. It’s wonderful to explore some of the older church traditions together. Several weeks ago I was asked what we were planning on doing for the Christmas season at Oxygen. It got me thinking about all kinds of great traditions I have been exposed to throughout my life and advent has by far had the greatest meaning.
My earliest memories of Advent come from time spent at my Grand Parents country church in Washington. I can remember singing songs and the pastor reading some scripture those were all the normal things we did each week at church. After a few more songs an older couple stood up from the front row and read a poem about hope followed by a prayer asking God to help us be a people and thanking Him for the hope he gave in the birth of his son the Christ. So being a little boy anytime there was fire involved my interest was sparked. The ride home in my Grandpa’s old farm truck was full of question from me about the candles and the lighting and the wreath. I was very concerned that they had forgotten to put out the candle, but once those fears were squelched my Grandpa began explaining. He told me about the three purple candles. The first standing for Hope then Love and Peace. Then the pink candle to represent the Joy brought through Christ. The center candle being a white candle showing Christ as the center. All of the candles as part of an evergreen wreath to stand for the unchanging nature of God. It was allot for a little guy to take in but even then it I greatly enjoyed the Advent tradition.
Looking back at my own love of Advent it was an easy choice as a way for us at Oxygen to experience this Christmas season together. I hope that if your reading this and have not been part of the advent tradition in the past that perhaps you will explore this for yourself. It’s an easy tradition to learn about with a quick Google or two. Or if you are part of the Oxygen group or you are in college or college aged (18 – 26) then come by this coming Sunday night @ 7pm in the youth room here at Shoreline and join us for this celebration of Advent.
Pastor Andrew
Here’s a little special Christmas treat for you! Click the link!
Thanks Shoreliners! Twenty-six church members signed up to ring bells for The Salvation Army. They will be stationed at shopping centers, post offices, stores, etc. to help raise funds for The Salvation Army’s many holiday and year-round projects which include: food and toy distribution, holiday help, and year-round assistance for less fortunate families. Thank you Shoreline! Once again, you’ve shown the community how much you care about your nieghbors.
Thanks Shoreliners! Twenty-six church members signed up to ring bells for The Salvation Army. They will be stationed at shopping centers, post offices, stores, etc. to help raise funds for The Salvation Army’s many holiday and year-round projects which include: food and toy distribution, holiday help, and year-round assistance for less fortunate families. Thank you Shoreline! Once again, you’ve shown the community how much you care about your nieghbors.
