St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church

Our mission is: St. Mark Cares: welcome, worship, witness

From the Pastor
The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world." - John 1:9
Advent and Christmas, blessings to all!

Ever wondered about some of the decorations in the Church, why they are there and what they mean? Sometimes we are so used to seeing them that we pay little attention to what they really mean. For many of us they are just part of Advent and Christmas.

What about the Advent Wreath? That's a tradition that many celebrate in their homes as well as in Church.

Advent is a season with two foci, one on remembering Jesus coming in humility in Bethlehem, and the second on looking forward to His return in power and glory on the Last Day. The Advent Wreath helps us keep that focus.

While the origins of the Advent Wreath are not clearly known, we do know much about it has been used over the years. Advent is a "penitential" season, much like Lent and we use the time to be reminded of our need for a Savior and the reality that God has provided that Savior in the Person of Jesus Christ. Here's an overview of what St. Mark's Advent Wreath means for us:

Candles – there are 5 candles on the wreath. Each week an additional one is lit. The light on the wreath becomes a bit brighter each week until the final candle, the Christ Candle, is lit at Christmas. The symbolism is that Jesus, the Light of the World, is coming, and finally that He is here.

Colors – The royal blue candles remind us that we are preparing for the arrival of the "King of Kings and Lord of Lords." Jesus holds all majesty. The white, larger "Christ Candle" at the center of the wreath, reminds us of Jesus purity and sinlessness as our Savior.

Greenery – The evergreens on the wreath remind us of the life we find in Christ.

May this Advent Season be a time of penitential preparation for each of us leading to the joys of Jesus' arrival at Christmas. Come and join us each Sunday in Worship during the advent season Saturdays at 5PM and Sundays at 9:30AM. Make use of the Christ in our Home devotionals that are available near the lounge doors.

Then join us for Worship on Christmas Eve at 5:00PM and 10PM. Remember the gift of Jesus and all that He has done and will do for you. That is truly something to celebrate, something to gather in Worship about.

Also, Sunday Advent Services, as well as the Candlelight Christmas Eve Service at 10PM, will be recorded and made available on Facebook. So "Come and Worship, Worship, Christ the newborn King!"

Advent Blessings and Merry Christmas,
Pastor Travis

St Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church is a congregation of
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. ELCA
in the Southeastern Iowa Synod (hotlink: seiasynod.org)

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