How does a weary world rejoice?
Christ was born into a weary world. King Herod ruled the land with a legacy of ruthlessness. The Romans treated the people of Israel with contempt, imposing harsh taxes and land seizures that forced many into subsistence farming. Poverty and destitution were pervasive. And yet, Christ was born, bringing good news of great joy for all people.
As Advent comes again to a weary world, we ask, “How does a weary world rejoice?” From the opening chapters of Luke’s Gospel, we have found a few answers: we acknowledge our weariness, we find joy in connection, we allow ourselves to be amazed, we sing stories of hope, we make room, we root ourselves in ritual, and most importantly, we trust our belovedness. In the parallel birth stories of Jesus and John, joy arrives—despite trepidation, fear, or grief. In these stories, we find rhythms for rejoicing. As we move through our series, we hope to create space for acknowledging the weariness of our world while celebrating God’s closeness with great joy.
And so, this Advent, we will hold space for our weariness and our joy. We will seek a “thrill of hope” in our hurting world. We will welcome joy—even if, like the prophet Isaiah, we cry out for comfort (Isaiah 40:1). In this weary world, may we find many ways to rejoice.
As Advent comes again to a weary world, we ask, “How does a weary world rejoice?” From the opening chapters of Luke’s Gospel, we have found a few answers: we acknowledge our weariness, we find joy in connection, we allow ourselves to be amazed, we sing stories of hope, we make room, we root ourselves in ritual, and most importantly, we trust our belovedness. In the parallel birth stories of Jesus and John, joy arrives—despite trepidation, fear, or grief. In these stories, we find rhythms for rejoicing. As we move through our series, we hope to create space for acknowledging the weariness of our world while celebrating God’s closeness with great joy.
And so, this Advent, we will hold space for our weariness and our joy. We will seek a “thrill of hope” in our hurting world. We will welcome joy—even if, like the prophet Isaiah, we cry out for comfort (Isaiah 40:1). In this weary world, may we find many ways to rejoice.
Christmas Eve | Sunday, December 24
10:55 am | Interactive Christmas Eve ServiceIn-person & Livestream
Join us in the Sanctuary Christmas Eve morning for interactive worship for all all ages and communion and candlelight. There will be child-focused liturgy and sensory storytelling as we celebrate the birth of baby Jesus together. COVID-19 Updates & Reminders:
- Nursery care is available during all services. - All air filtration has been upgraded to meet CDC recommendations. - Masks are welcome but not required |
5:00 pm | Traditional Communion & Candlelight ServiceIn-Person & Livestream
Join us in the Sanctuary, in-person or via livestream, for a special evening of worship with communion and candlelight. |
Advent Small Groups
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How does a weary world rejoice? Advent Art Study
Sundays 9:45am or Mondays 6:00pm, in the Bradshaw Room and on zoom. Join us each Sunday morning or Monday night during Advent as we read the Advent devotional “How Does a Weary World Rejoice?” by Sanctified Art. Each week will focus on different pieces of art which answer that question: We make room. We find joy in connection. We sing songs of hope. We acknowledge our weariness. We trust our belovedness. Come reflect on this art together. Already and Not Yet: Disability and Advent Study
Thursdays in Advent, 7:00pm in the Bradshaw Room and on Zoom. Duke Memorial UMC and L’Arche NC are partnering to offer this Disability and Advent study, led by Disability and Theology intern Tatum Tricarico. We will meet on a weekly basis to reflect on and discuss chosen pieces of scripture, poetry, and teachings at the intersection of Disability and Advent theology. Each session will include the opportunity to learn about an important Disability Justice leader. |
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Resources for Advent
Advent kitsBring Advent home with you.
Kits include:
Children's Worship
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