The season of Advent is here! The word advent comes from the Latin word for “coming”. Who’s coming? Jesus!
For many centuries the church has observed the four weeks prior to Jesus’ arrival as a time of anticipation and preparation. For many of us, December can fly by in such a flurry of activities that we miss the essence of Christmas. Advent helps us redeem the time by inviting us to deeper reflection, letting the stable still astonish us. Once we do, we will sense immediately that Advent marks something momentous: God’s coming into our midst. That coming is not just something that happened in the past. It is a recurring possibility here and now- a yearly opportunity for us to consider the future, second Advent—the promised coming of God’s kingdom on earth. (For more information, click here: why Advent?)
Here are a few ways to observe Advent at ERBF:
Sunday Services
The title we’ve selected for Advent probably sounds familiar (it’s a line from the hymn, “O Holy Night”). The truth is, our world has been weary since Genesis 3. People through the ages right up to the present have felt it, and so do you and I. We’re weary of the darkness, the disappointments, the pain, the doubt, the fear. If you’ve had a hard year, you may not feel much like celebrating Christmas. But take heart. Other weary souls have faced bone deep weariness and found in Christ “a thrill of hope” when they needed it most…and you can too.
Join us each Advent Sunday as we enjoy special music, light the Advent candles, meditate on scripture and sing carols.
Advent Devotional
As We Wait is a collection of readings and devotionals produced and distributed by MB Seminary for the season of Advent. The devotionals are written by pastors, teachers, and other leaders within the Mennonite Brethren family across Canada. Click here to sign up and receive a daily devotional to your inbox: devotional page.
Join Us for a Festive Christmas Celebration!
Join us for a night of music and games/activities on December 21st from 7-9pm at the church. A great event to invite friends and family to for a night of fun! Find more here.
Christmas Eve Service
The Christmas Eve service will be held at 6:30pm on December 24. Please join us as we light the Christ candle, sing Christmas carols, and celebrate the birth of Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us.