Welcome to Advent with Spirit of Life

The rain has begun to fall, and darkness descends earlier and earlier as we slip into winter rhythms here in the Pacific Northwest. I know this season gets some mixed reviews, but I'm here to advocate for cozying up to it and resting in the quiet if you can.
Darkness is holy.
God created in darkness. God embraced darkness, giving us the night that makes time for us to rest our bodies and minds from the bright busy world of the day. 
Throughout this season (what we as Christians call Advent) as we move toward Christmas, at Spirit of Life we will be celebrating darkness as we wait for God's Light to the World, Jesus, to be born. We will mine the depths of what it means to wait, to anticipate, to seek that glimmer of dawn that only appears if it's dark. We will sing the beautiful song, Holy Darkness, each week in worship. 

As you prepare for Christmas and all it may involve for you, I invite you to take some time each day to pause and breathe, to rest in the quiet, to gaze at cloudy skies and remember God's intentional, shadowy pause. And if you have some time, here are some great devotional recommendations for Advent:

A free Advent devotional booklet from author Kate Bowler. This booklet comes in three versions: printable, interactive PDF; mobile (to be used on your smartphone).

A free Advent printable devotional booklet from the bishops of four North American churches, including the ELCA

A free Advent devotional from ELCA Young Adults Ministry. This devotional focuses on the plight of Palestinians living in the Middle East, with particular focus on Christian Palestinians in this time of war. There are printable materials, and also webinars and online events throughout Advent. 

A free Advent devotional from Lutheran Hour Ministries that is available in print or your can listen online. 

From the Bible Project, a free series of videos offering a background on the season of Advent as well as focus on the four Advent words: hope, joy, peace and love. There is a printable guide to go along with the videos.

A few other notes about Advent with Spirit of LIfe. We will gather for soup and a simple worship service on Wednesday nights in Advent: Dec. 4, 11, and 18. This will be held in the sanctuary. You are invited to bring soup or bread or simply your appetite and your presence. This is a time to pause mid week in Advent and gather with your friends to embrace the spirit of Advent and Christmas. 

"A LIttle Christmas Spirit" movie featuring the kids of Spirit of Life and Little Doves Children's Learning Center will be shown in worship on Sunday, December 22. This will be followed by fellowship time with Christmas cookies. 

Christmas Eve service with Spirit of Life will be held on December 24 at 4 pm. 

Peace,
Pastor Marietta