November 27, 2025
by Deacon Joanne Warman
Think about how much of your life is spent simply waiting. Waiting for a bus, waiting for the doctor or dentist, waiting for vacation to start, waiting for Santa to come when you’re a child. We’re about to enter a season of waiting – Advent.
The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word Adventus, meaning coming or arrival. It can be used to describe the beginning of any event, invention or season – “the advent of the personal computer”.
In the Christian calendar, Advent denotes a time of preparation for the celebration of Jesus’s birth. To help in the preparation we use the lighting of candles in an Advent wreath; Advent calendars; setting up a nativity scene, but waiting until Christmas to place the baby Jesus in the manager; and some use increased prayers and fasting.
Advent consists of 4 weeks each with their own theme – hope, peace, joy and love. These themes have also been called the four gifts of Christmas. They are gifts from Jesus that are not found in a box under a tree.
During this advent season how are you going to wait? Will the weeks leading up to Christmas be spent in a frazzled state of trying to buy the “perfect” gift, the “perfect” decorations or the “perfect” dinner items? Will there be a time of quiet reflection on just how the birth of an infant in Bethlehem changed the world.
Here is a list of how All Saints can help you wait….
- Every Tuesday evening from 7:30 til 8:30 pm you can either come to the church where we will gather in the boardroom for a watch party of the Bishops’ Advent Evening Retreat – a time of listening, learning, worship and music with our Bishops. You can also join via zoom from home by registering at www.toronto.anglican.ca/events/the-bishops-advent-retreat-evenings/.
- Tomorrow evening (November 28th) at 6:30 pm there will be advent wreath making event in the parish hall.
- Sunday December 7th at 4 pm there will be a Christmas Concert and Sing Along in the Church performed by our choir.
- Wednesday, December 10th at 7:30 pm there will be rosary workshop where we will learn what an Anglican rosary is and how to use one.
- Monday, December 15th at 7 pm we once again have a Longest Night Service, which is a mediative service (anointing will be offered).
- Thursday December 18th we will be hosting a special screening of The Chosen at either 1 pm or 7 pm.
- Sunday, December 21st at 11 am we will once again have a service of Advent Lessons and Carols, which will tell the story of salvation from creation up to the birth of Christ.
In addition to these offerings, Friday, December 12 from 5:30 to 9:30 pm we are offering a night out for parents and an all-ages movie night. Drop off your children for a simple supper and activities at 5:30 and then at 7 pm there will be a movie for all ages to enjoy.
However you wait during this advent season, remember Advent is a time to celebrate, to remember and to anticipate.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness,
Send the Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas
We who have so much to do, seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.
We who are anxious over many things, look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways, long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy, seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness yet seeking the light.
To you we say “come Lord Jesus”.
Amen
– Henri J.M. Nouwen
