Advent is usually observed as a season of confession, preparation, and anticipation, looking forward to the birth of
Christ on Christmas Day. You’ll notice several added elements in the service this morning: lighting of candles during
the Call to Worship, purple accents on the bulletin and the pulpit, and a time of silent prayer followed by a sung
response where we cry out, “Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.” We have also
included an insert in the bulletin with a series of daily scripture readings for Advent, which you can use at home with
your family. As we enter this new season, I hope these added elements help us to prepare our hearts for the coming of
Jesus—the long-expected Savior who, though He was rich beyond all splendor, became poor for our sake, and came to
make His blessings flow as far as the curse is found. —Henry C. Haffner
