The Advent season begins on Sunday, December 1. This year we’ll look at the traditional advent themes of Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace through the lens of the Book of Revelation.
The Book of Revelation
Contrary to popular belief, the Book of Revelation is not intended to be a veiled message about the future. It is an unveiling (this is the meaning of the word translated “revelation” or “apocalypse,” Greek: apokalupsis) about the true nature of reality, and it offers a theological perspective on the complex and powerful spiritual dynamics that shape our everyday lives. The beloved Apostle John wrote the book as a record of what was revealed to him while exiled on the Island of Patmos, and he gave it to the church to help followers of Jesus persevere as faithful and fruitful witnesses of Jesus in the midst of times of intense trial and tribulation.
Advent and the Apocalypse
The Book of Revelation offers a helpful lens through which to explore the season of Advent where the church considers how we are to live between the first arrival of Jesus where God’s light broke into the world and Christ’s Second Coming when all of the darkness and death will finally and fully give way to the glory of God’s New Creation. In this in-between-time we face trials and tribulations of all shapes and sizes, and unveiling of the presence of Jesus in the midst of those challenges can truly help us to experience hope, love, joy, and peace as we wait for Christ to come again.
New to Advent?
This season of the church calendar includes the four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Advent means “coming” or “arrival” and is a season both for remembering Jesus' first coming at Christmas and also longing for His return. Learn more about why Park Church observes the church calendar here at our liturgy page.
Wednesdays, December 4–18 • 12–12:45pm • Gallery
Every Advent, we meet during the lunch hour on Wednesdays to sing, pray, and cultivate hunger and longing for Christ. Many also choose to fast lunch or more on these Wednesdays. If fasting is new for you, you can read more about why we practice this discipline here.
Thursday, December 12 • 6:30–7:30pm
Each year, we gather as a church family to sing the beloved hymns of Advent and Christmas and read the story together. This tradition helps us prepare and awaken our hearts to the tension and beauty of the season of Advent. All are invited, and kids are welcome to wear pajamas!
Tuesday, December 24 • 3, 4:30, & 6pm Services
There will be no Park Kids at our Christmas Eve services. Families are encouraged to worship together (and activity bags will be provided!). The 6pm service will be streamed live online.