More than 700 years before Jesus was born, a prophet in Judah named Isaiah wrote these words about a coming day:

The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned. (Isaiah 9:2, NIV)

Centuries later, an author writing the story of the life of Jesus remembered this ancient prophecy, and recognized that in Christ, Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled. Another author, named John, also recognized that in Jesus, a new light had dawned in our world. John wrote:

The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. (John 1:9, NIV)

Each year during the four weeks leading up to Christmas, the Church remembers these words. As the world plunges into the darkness of winter, and the nights grow to their very longest, the Church lights candles to celebrate the coming of this light into our world. We call this annual celebration of the coming of the Light “Advent.”

Check out our Shine page to discover how our Advent Celebration is shaping up this year in Water’s Edge.  At our Shine Experiment site you will discover audio from our teaching times, instructions about the Message and Mission for each day, and have the chance to share about your journey with fellow pilgrims.

Join us this Advent at Water’s Edge for Shine.