Frankly, I can’t wait until Advent arrives each year at Chapelgate! For our church community, it means hearing the Christmas story, as freshly told by our children (First Night), joyfully singing the timeless Carols that herald Jesus’ birth, reflecting on the glory of his coming in the flesh, and the lighting of the candles in our Candle Lighting services on Christmas Eve.

Advent means ‘coming,’ and it involves waiting. In Advent, we live between Jesus’ first and second comings – First to redeem, and then to heal and renew all things. As the scripture canon closes, we hear the cry, “…Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20). It isn’t only about Christmas, but a way of life for those who follow Jesus. We are a people who await his entrance into our lives every day.

Together, we long for his coming.

This guide is intended, not only to draw you closer to Jesus but also to draw us closer to one another. Our Sunday School classes and Academy, along with our church community will engage in what many at Chapelgate have contributed to assembling here, whether devotional pieces, artwork, or the flow of the guide (Hope, Peace, Joy, Love), all of which point us to the One we celebrate throughout the season – Jesus. And this is my Advent hope for you – that you will experience a fresh encounter with Jesus, and be encouraged as together we await his return.

May Jesus be born afresh to you this Season, Merry Christmas!

Your Pastor and Friend,

Mike Khandjian