2024 Advent at Countryside
As Advent comes again to a weary world, we ask, “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.
So, 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 the Advent season, we hope to create space for acknowledging the weariness of our world while celebrating God’s closeness with great joy.
Download the Advent 2024 Event Calendar here!
Advent Devotionals
This Advent, we’ll hold space for our weariness and our joy. We’ll seek a “thrill of hope” in our hurting world. We’ll 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.
The 2024 Devotional, How Does a Weary World Rejoice? follows the Christmas story in Luke 1–2, concluding with Baptism of the Lord Sunday. It includes weekly readings to follow at your own pace. Copies are available in the Narthex and church office for a suggested donation of $5.
Sunday Morning Services in Advent: How Does a Weary World Rejoice?
Sunday, Dec. 1: We Acknowledge Our Weariness. Luke 1:1-23, Bring Us Hope with the C4 Choir.
Sunday, Dec. 8, 10 am: We Find Joy in Connection. Luke 1:24-45, Creation Will Be at Peace with the C4 Choir.
Sunday, Dec. 8, 7 pm: Lessons and Carols. Scripture, prose and poetry evoking the imagery and emotion of the season. Advent and Christmas music with the C4 Choir.
Sunday, Dec. 15, 10 am: We Allow Ourselves to be Amazed. Luke 1:57-66. How Great Our Joy with the C4 Choir.
Thursday, Dec. 19, 7 pm: Longest Night Service, featuring special music by vocalists Emily Wadhams and Shannon Shultz-Thomas. For those who have experienced loss, or don’t feel so “merry and bright,” the joy of the holiday season can often feel elusive and out of reach. A Longest Night service acknowledges the stress, mental strain and grief that can accompany the holiday season. It provides space for prayer, reflection and remembrance amidst the twinkling lights and holiday hustle and bustle.
Sunday, Dec. 22, 10 am: We Sing Stories of Hope. Luke 1:46-55. Of the Father’s Love Begotten, with the C4 and Handbell choirs.
Al-Church Events
Sunday, Nov. 24, 11:15 am: Hanging of the Greens! A joyful tradition at Countryside! Volunteers help decorate the Church for Advent & Christmas. This year features a lunch, along with a Soup Contest.
Saturday, Dec. 7, 7 pm: Jazz Coffeehouse. Your favorite beverages from Common Grounds Coffee House and the smooth cool sounds of our own Countryside Jazz Band! A Countryside tradition!
Sunday, Dec. 15, 4 pm: Christmas Pipe Organ Extravaganza. Get the family together to hear Christmas music with Countryside’s organist-on-residence, Alex Ritter, playing on our beautiful Buzard Opus 47 pipe organ.
Christmas Eve Services
Experience the wonder of Christmas Eve at Countryside! Families are invited to a joyful family-oriented service at 5. Our 7 p.m. candlelight service featuring the C4 Choir celebrates the light and hope of Christmas.
Tuesday, Dec. 25, 5 pm: Children and Families Service, featuring Countryside’s Children’s Choir, the Christmas Story, with Carols and Costumes.
Tuesday, Dec. 25, 7 pm: Candlelight Service, featuring the C4 Choir, O Holy Night.