Advent Liturgy & Prayer Resources
As we move into the beginning of the Church Year with our celebration of Advent, you will notice a few differences in our liturgy. This is a time of waiting. Theologically for the return of Christ, culturally for the celebration of Christmas, of the birth of God into creation.
Think about your own practices this month. How can you take some time to pause and wait? What are you waiting for in your own life? How can you invite God into that waiting?
The Liturgy
Lighting the Advent Wreath - PLEASE VOLUNTEER! (email Ruthanne - ruthanne@ascensionportperry.com - individuals, friends, couples and families - all are welcome to participate)
As we light the wreath each Sunday before the liturgy gets under way, we say words that invite us into the themes of Advent. This year we will also hear the familiar refrain from the choir, "Prepare the way of the Lord". Within our own hearts this is a moment to both welcome the light in a darkened season and turn our hearts to that prepartion.
Trisagion
This ancient hymn, based on the prophecy of Isaiah, is a familiar hymn in the Eastern Orthodox Church. It is a trinitarian hymn and we say or sing it three times. It is a part of our Book of Alternative Services and we use it in Advent, which is customary in many church traditions, as we turn our hearts to God with our longing for God's mercy to be revealed on Earth.
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy immortal one, have mercy on us.
We will also welcome back into our liturgy for this season both the Nicene Creed and Agnus Dei.
We will end the service not with the doxology, but with a responsive prayer that we make our own in this season, repeating the phrase that has been said for centuries, "come, Lord Jesus". In the Aramaic, it is the word "Maranatha", a simple prayer prayed by many through the ages.
Prayer Resources
If you are looking for ways to journey through this season in prayer and reflection, you may want to check these resources out.
Advent for Everyone - The Bishops of the Toronto Diocese are offering this teaching resource. You can register to attend via Zoom on Tuesday evenings (yes, it starts tonight!) from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Click Here for Information and Registration Link
Advent Conspiracy - A wonderful resource that offers a short reading, refleciton and prayer. Click Here