It’s as if we’ve barely wiped the Halloween makeup off our faces, and now it’s time to pick out our Christmas trees!  The Thanksgiving turkey is taking up room in the refrigerator, and already Advent is upon us!  Advent, derived from the Latin adventus, means “coming” or “arrival.” Advent is the beginning of the liturgical church year for most churches in the Western tradition. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, which is the Sunday nearest November 30, and ends on Christmas Eve.  Advent’s liturgical color is purple, a color associated with royalty and power.  In ancient times purple was the most costly dye.  Jesus came to be the royal king of the universe, and that is why you will see a rich purple cloth on communion tables and ministers wearing purple, liturgical stoles.  Advent is a season that I love, not just because of the joyous expectation of preparation for Christmas, but also for the deep spiritual significance of waiting for the light to flood the dark—God’s miraculous “in-breaking” into this world.  I look forward to celebrating the first Sunday in Advent with you, and my sermon will focus on hope even in the face of negativity.  Rev. Len Silvester will celebrate the next three Sundays of Advent with you, as Clint and I are going on a long-planned trip to Central and South America!  Advent will be a meaningful time at CCOV and sure to enrich your spiritual journey.  See you on Sunday and then again on Christmas Eve!

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Sandi