On Sunday, December 3, at 5 pm St. Brendan’s will join with Smoky Mountain Presbyterian Church, Pleasant Grove at College Street, Church of the Redeemer, and Vineyard Alcoa to kick off the Advent season. We’ll share singing carols and hear the reading of Scriptures that recount the great story of God’s redeeming action across the…

We stand at the threshold of a new year: a new cycle of remembrance and reflection. This coming Sunday marks the beginning of the Advent season and the beginning of the church year. For over 20 years, I’ve tried to write occasional meditations during this season of anticipation. For over 1500 years, the church has observed the Advent season as a time of watching and waiting for the coming of the Lord. Each year, I discover something new from this ancient well of church writings, music, art, and prayers.

As we watch and wait together, we learn afresh the meaning, the hope, the arrival of our Lord in all his glory. We learn from those saints who have gone before us, and we learn from one another as we journey together, share stories and watch for His sudden appearing. I invite you to walk with me and others in this season of watchful prayer. May we exhort one another all the more as we see the day approaching.

How do we practice Advent watching and waiting?