ADVENT 2023 | ISSUE 2
THE COMING
The Advent Guide for Allen Temple AME Church-Atlanta
THE LIGHT OF ADVENT WHAT'S INSIDE Advent Crossword 2 What is Advent? 3 Holiday Ministry Events 3 The Advent Wreath 3 Give a Gift 3 Weekly Scripture Reflections 4 Ambrosia 4
The Light of Advent
In the tapestry of time, Advent unveils itself as a sacred prelude to the grand narrative of redemption. The scriptures, like a compass, guide our hearts through this season of waiting and anticipation. Isaiah 9:2 prophesies, "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned." These words resonate across the ages, transcending temporal boundaries to remind us that Advent is a beacon of hope in a world often shrouded in shadows. The birth of Christ heralds the dawn of a radiant light, dispelling the gloom of despair. Luke 2:10-11 echoes the angel's proclamation to the shepherds, "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'" Advent, at its core, is a celebration of joy. The arrival of the promised Messiah is a source of boundless joy, resonating with the hearts of all who seek redemption. As we journey through Advent, let Psalm 27:1 be our anthem: "The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?" This season invites us to relinquish fear and bask in the comforting radiance of God's love. May the scriptures illuminate our hearts, guiding us toward the manger with a renewed sense of hope, joy, and a profound understanding of the divine light that permeates the Advent story. May your focus this season be on how Christ came so that you might experience the fullness of all that God has already ordained for your live.
Rev. Susan Try this easy ambrosia recipe this season - Page 4.
ADVENT CROSSWORD
ACROSS 4 Who told Mary she would have a baby? 5 What is lit each week prior to Christmas? 8 When does the church year begin? 10 Advent is a time to Look ___________ 13 Where was Jesus born? 14 What did the shepherds look after?
DOWN 1 What did Mary ride to get to Bethlehem? 2 What do you call the time for getting ready for Jesus' death? 3 What color is the Advent Christ candle? 6 Where were Jesus' parents from? [7 What was shining in the sky to let people know about Jesus? 9 The official colors of Advent are Pink and what? 10 How many Sundays does Advent last? 11 Advent is about getting ______ for Christ's arrival 12 Who do we get ready for during Advent?"
WHAT IS ADVENT? Advent is the season of the church when believers reflect in two ways: to prepare for Christmas, when Christ first came to us; to focus our hearts and minds on the Second Coming of Christ. Advent is a time of expecting the hope, peace, joy and love that Christ brought to the world as the Savior of the world. There are 4 Sundays in Advent. Each Sunday prepares us with a specific focus. 1st Sunday: Hope 2nd Sunday: Peace 3rd Sunday: Joy 4th Sunday: Love
The Advent Wreath CANDLES There are 4 candles (3 purple and 1 rose), A fifth white candle is lit on Christmas Day or the Sunday prior. The first candle symbolizes hope with the reminder that Jesus is coming and in remembrance of the prophets who foretold the birth of Christ. The second candle symbolizes peace reminding us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.” The third (rose) symbolizes joy reminding us of the Joy of the fulfillment of the promise of God to send a saviour by the birth of Jesus. The fourth candle symbolizes the love that God has for us that allowed God to send Jesus into the world. The fifth (white) candle symbolizes Jesus as the light of the world.
LIGHT The light from the candles, lit gradually weekly, is a symbol of how Christ brings light to a dark world. As each candle is lit,the light grows brighter and stronger. The light from the white candle, lit on Christmas Day or the Sunday prior symbolizes that Christ's light shines at the center of all. WREATH The wreath is traditionally made of evergreen branches formed into a circle. The evergreen circle is a symbol of eternal life. The color green is considered a symbol of hope.
HOLIDAY MINISTRY EVENTS *Check the Church Calendar for a complete calendar.
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WEST ATLANTA DISTRICT CHRISTMAS GALA Sonesta-Atlanta Airport 6 pm
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WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY Caroling Noon-3 pm Donate $25 gift cards for our families at F.L. Stanton Elementary Contact Sis. Vickie Thomas, WMS President, for further details. ATC Christmas Luncheon 2 PM
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GIRL SCOUTS Coolies, Cocoa, and Crafting 1 pm-3 pm
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CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE 31 NEW YEAR’S EVENING SERVICE Greater Turner Chapel AME Church 7 PM
GIVE A GIFT TO ATC THIS CHRISTMAS Mail your check or money order to PO Box 92546 Atlanta, GA 30314 Click the graphic to link to electronic giving
AMBROSIA Ingredients 4 oz. cream cheese, softened 1/4 c. powdered sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 c. heavy whipping cream 1/2 c. sour cream 1 15-oz. can mandarin oranges, drained 1 20-oz. can pineapple tidbits, drained 2 c. mini marshmallows 3/4 c. shredded sweetened coconut 8 maraschino cherries 1 pink grapefruit, peeled and cut into sections 1/3 c. toasted coconut chips Directions 1. Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Transfer to a small bowl. 2. Add the heavy cream to the mixing bowl and beat on medium speed until soft peaks form, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the cream cheese mixture back to the bowl and continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Fold in the sour cream. 3. Add the mandarin oranges, pineapple, marshmallows, and shredded coconut to the bowl and gently fold to combine. Place in a 2-quart size casserole dish or bowl to sit overnight, or up to 24 hours. 4. Just before serving, top the salad with maraschino cherries, grapefruit sections, and coconut chips.
The Sundays of Advent Weekly Scripture for Reflections December 3, 2023
Hope
Monday: Zephaniah 3:17 Tuesday: Titus 1:1-2; Titus 3:7 Wednesday: Jeremiah 29: 11-12; Jeremiah 17:7-8 Thursday: Numbers 23:19; 1 Corinthians 4:16-18 Friday: 1 Peter 1:3; Job 13:15; Psalm 71:14 Saturday: Romans 5:2-5, 15:4, 15:13
December 10, 2023
Peace
Monday: John 14:27; Romans 14:7-9 Tuesday: Philippians 4:6-7 Wednesday: Colossians 3:15 Thursday: 1 Corinthians 14:33 Friday: Isaiah 9:6 Saturday: Matthew 11:28-30
December 17, 2023
Joy
Monday: Psalm 51; Psalm 47:1 Tuesday: Nehemiah 8:10 Wednesday: James 1:2-3; Luke 15:7; John 16:22 Thursday: Romans 15:13; Peter 1:8-9 Friday: Isaiah 12:6; Psalm 30:8 Saturday: Romans 14:17
December 24, 2024
Love
Monday: Matthew 22:37-39 Tuesday: Luke 6:27-36 Wednesday: John 3: 16-18; John 15:3 Thursday: Romans 12:9-21 Friday: 1 Corinthians 13: 4-13; Ephesians 4:2 Saturday: 1 Peter 4:8; 1 John 4:7-21