As I write this a cool crisp rain has finished falling, leaving behind refreshed plants and washed off sidewalks and buildings, as if God is making the world ready for something special and new. How apropos it is for this sense of preparation to coincide with the beginning of our Advent season. December 1st marks the first Sunday of Advent and the Spiritual Life Department has a number of ways to help us connect with this season when we are called to prepare our hearts, minds and spirits to celebrate the light that has come into the world at the birth of Jesus Christ. This year, we offer for your devotions, an Advent booklet entitled, “What Can't Wait,” which takes us through each day of the season of Advent with scripture, prayers, devotions and art. The booklets will be available at the 10:00AM Sunday Roman Catholic Mass and the 3:00PM Sunday Worship Service beginning December 1st. You may also stop by and pick one up from my office in the Life Center.
On Monday, December 2nd at 10:00AM in the Life Center, all are welcome to join us for our annual Messiah Sing Along. This is a festive opportunity to sing along with portions from Handel's Messiah. Follow along with our DVD of Toronto's Tafelmusick Orchestra and Chamber Choir as their conductor, Ivars Taurins, leads us through the Messiah dressed as Handel himself. This is a fun way to start our holiday season together while we rejoice in that glorious music. Scores of the choruses are provided, but you may bring your own copies of the music if you like. Cookies and coffee will be served. We look forward to seeing you there.
Our Joys of Christmas celebration will take place on Sunday, December 15th at 3:00PM in the Life Center. This is a festive service filled with music and praise. The beatitudes campus Choir will be singing, as well as a special soloist singing, “Some Children See Him.” Afterwards, we will share a special reception together in Buckwald's. Joys of Christmas is a traditional annual celebration here at our community and is enjoyed by all who attend.
This year, Hanukkah begins on the evening of Sunday, December 22nd. Menorahs will be placed throughout the campus to help us celebrate the miracle of the Festival of Lights. Please note the instructions with each menorah as one candle is lit each evening for eight days. We are blessed to be able to share and celebrate together different faith traditions here at Beatitudes.
The Christmas Eve Service is Tuesday, December 24th at 3:00PM in the Life Center. As part of this special service, we place baby Jesus in the manger of our beautiful crèche and we close the service with candle-light singing. On the Wednesday of Christmas morning at 9:30AM the Roman Catholic Nativity of the Lord Mass will take place in the Life Center.
May this full and blessed holiday season fill you all with hope, peace, joy and love. Holiday blessings to each of you from the Spiritual Life Department!
Get involved!
Comments