While it was originally celebrated for a period of forty days and included fasting, by the end of the seventh century it was confined to the four-week period preceding Christmas.  In the calendar of the Christian Church today, the season begins on the Sunday nearest to St. Andrew's Day (November 30) and includes the four Sundays preceding Christmas as well as the intervening weekdays.  It is the first of the six seasons of the Christian year (Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter and Pentecost).

While Advent, in the past, has been observed in many churches as a time of penitence in preparation for the joyous celebration of Christmas, the emphasis has changed recently to one of anticipation.  It calls to mind the four thousand years of waiting for the coming of the Messiah on the part of the Hebrew people.  In many churches today there is also emphasis upon the Second Coming of our Lord.  For the Christian, Advent not only becomes a time of preparation for the celebration of the coming of Christ into the world, but also a time for the rebirth of His Spirit in our lives.

Heritage marks each Advent Sunday with the lighting of an Advent Candle and reading of scriptures.  It is a meaningful expression of our faith and celebration of our Lord's coming.  We invite you to join us each Sunday morning for worship at 10:30 AM in the church sanctuary.

Also, Heritage Baptist again this year has compiled an Advent devotional book to encourage each family in our church to set aside time every day throughout the season of Advent to be reminded why we celebrate the birth of Jesus.  You are encouraged to read from your Bible the Scripture passages for each day and reflect on the words as they relate to your spiritual journey through Advent.  The personal stories may or may not relate to the Scripture for that day, but are meaningful expressions of members of Heritage recounting their memories. This is our attempt to present the message of Hope, Faith, Joy and Love found in the birth of Christ.  This devotional book is available in the church narthex and online at this website.  The online version will be updated daily with the current devotion.  You may link to it by clicking here or from the home page of our site. 

I want to express my deep appreciation to everyone who contributed to the devotional book and each family stepping forth to light Advent Candles.  It is my belief that as we journey together through Advent, we will learn more about one another and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich resources of spirituality within our congregation.  May our journey be filled with the Spirit of Christ as we celebrate His birth.

Rev. Henry Green