Advent/Christmas at Prince of Peace

We acknowledge that the Christmas season is often an emotionally charged time when we feel many things deeply—sometimes all at once. Many experience emotional dissonance in the midst of joy-filled carols and festivities.

We need to acknowledge the weariness of our world while also seeking real and daily moments of joy. We need to remember that all of life can be a prayer.

As we move through Advent and into Christmas, we hope to create space for acknowledging the weariness of our world while celebrating God’s closeness with great joy.

Joy is often a companion to many other emotions. We can feel joy and many other things simultaneously: grief, anticipation, anxiety, excitement, disappointment, and exhaustion.

You deserve to feel joy—fully. The world needs your joy, even if you are weary. Our joy is better when it is shared.

And so, this Advent, we will hold space for our weariness and our joy. We will seek a “thrill of hope” in our hurting world. We will welcome joy—even and especially if, like the prophet Isaiah, we cry out for comfort (Isaiah 40:1).

In this weary world, may we find many ways to rejoice.

Advent 1 Dec. 3, 9:30am: We acknowledge our weariness

Advent 2 Dec 10, 9:30am: We find joy in connection (Children’s Christmas Pageant)

Advent 3 Dec 17, 9:30am: We sing stories of hope (PoP Choir Cantata)

Advent 4 Dec 24, 9:30am: We allow ourselves to be amazed

Christmas Eve Dec 24 5&8pm: – We make room