Dear First Parish Church,

Grace and peace to you in this holy holiday season. As December arrives, we enter into Advent—a season set aside for preparation, reflection, and hope. In the rhythm of the Church year, Advent invites us to pause and listen for God’s presence in our lives, even as the world around us becomes increasingly busy, noisy, and demanding.

Advent is often described as a time of “waiting,” but it is not a passive or idle sort of waiting. It is an active preparation—a readying of our hearts and homes for the coming of Christ. We prepare by looking honestly at our lives, naming what aches for healing, opening ourselves to God’s love, and making room for the light that is on its way.

And yet, December has a way of overwhelming us. The holiday season swirls with activities, gatherings, travel, expectations, and the pressure to create “perfect” moments. In all the shimmer and rush, it can be easy to lose the deeper invitation of Advent.

That is why this season calls us—gently but persistently—to seek out moments of peace. Not perfect stillness, not a full retreat from life, but small, sacred pauses in the midst of the ordinary:

• A quiet breath before the day begins
• A candle lit at the dinner table
• A walk in the cold air, listening for God
• A whispered prayer while waiting in line
• A moment of gratitude before falling asleep

These small acts of attentiveness become doorways to the holy. They slow our pace just enough for hope to catch up with us. They remind us that Christ comes not only at Christmas, but again and again—into our anxieties, our celebrations, our longings, and our everyday routines.

As a church community, may we help one another find these moments. May we choose compassion over hurry, presence over perfection, love over stress. And may the peaceful promise of Advent guide us as we prepare our hearts for Emmanuel—God with us.

In addition to our Sunday worship services, during this season we will hold Advent

Vespers services on Wednesday evenings at 6pm (12/3, 12/10 and 12/17). We also have an at-home resource for you (available in the church narthex and online), “The Dawn Chorus: An Advent Devotional on the Wonder of Birds”. Inspired by the birds there will also be a LOT of opportunities for us to sing together – carols and hymns and hallelujahs all season long.

And don’t forget Christmas Eve! We hope to see you at either 5pm or 7:00pm. Our 5pm service will include an Impromptu, No-rehearsal-required Pageant as well as beloved Christmas Carols and Candlelight. Our 7:00pm service will include the traditional Lesson and Carols and Candlelight, and will feature the FPCC Choir.

There will be lots of great opportunities to make merry together this season. Read on to find out more. 

May this December bring you closer to the presence of Christ, and may you find moments of quiet wonder amidst the hustle and bustle.

In Christ’s love and peace,

Rev. Katherine