Advent comes to us in the Northern Hemisphere amidst the darkening desolation of early winter, as daylight hours grow short and the natural world goes into its annual hibernation reset.
Many of us have been taught to see the darkness of the Advent season as something to be overcome. The so-called “light of Christ” becomes a metaphorical goal for which we strive as we tick off the calendar days toward Christmas.
But what if bringing light into the darkness really misses the point of Advent? What if this season of waiting is not meant to be illuminated by our Christmas trees and Griwsoldian lawn displays? What if the real value of Advent comes from the darkness itself?
This month at New Wineskins we’re celebrating the Advent season by sharing stories together of how we can embrace the darkness—both literally and metaphorically—and find within it the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love by which we mark the season.
We invite you to come to our 2025 Advent Gathering in the Virtual Theology Pub powered by Zoom this Sunday, Dec. 14, with your own stories of where you’re finding those core Advent themes within the darkness of the season.
6:00pm ET: Happy Half-Hour (informal meet & greet time)
6:30pm ET: Presentation & conversation begin
Help Support our New Wineskins Network
The New Wineskins Network is a 501c3 nonprofit focused on helping faith communities and justice-oriented organizations create, connect, and conspire for our collective work of justice and liberation. Through event sponsorships, micro grants, and more, NWN seeks to support organizations and projects that reflect our values. As the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all ships!
You can be part of our ongoing work by making either a one-time gift or an ongoing donation through our easy online giving portal. Just click below to make your contribution now!
Do you receive our weekly newsletter?
If you haven’t already signed up for our weekly email newsletter, now would be a great time! Get weekly announcements delivered to your inbox so you don’t miss a thing. Plus, when you sign up, you’ll get a free digital download of our New Wineskins Manifesto for Spiritual Exiles!
Click here to subscribe to our newsletter!
Feature image by Marek Piwnicki on Pexels.com
Leave a Reply