Exodus 23: 10  “Six years you shall sow your land and gather in its yield,  11  but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow so that the poor of your people may eat, and what they leave the wild animals may eat. You shall do the same with your vineyard and with your olive orchard.

12  “Six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh day you shall rest so that your ox and your donkey may have relief and your homeborn slave and theresident alien may be refreshed.  13  Be attentive to all that I have said to you. Do not invoke the names of other gods; do not let them be heard on your lips.”

The Worship Committee has decided to do something new with the Advent Devotional in 2022. For many years we have solicited daily devotion from the congregation and have benefited from each’s reflections on the season and on God’s goodness to us. This year we are feeling the need to ‘rest and lie fallow’. Therefore, using the theme “Less is More”, we will be engaging together in a different kind of devotional.

There are two parts. The first is a booklet that guides you through each week of Advent with different meditations and thoughts for the week. Your household is invited to use the traditional advent candles and wreath to create a moment of reflection and holy conversation. If you live alone, consider joining with another household or other individuals to make the experience  more rich.

The second part is a poster that offers simple daily activities designed to encourage being present in the moment. Think of it as daily challenges to focus your heart on the incarnation of God and to be present to God’s salvation in our lives.

All of these materials will be available online and in the church office.