Advent begins this year on December 3 and because we had such a great experience last Advent with the coloring posters that accompanied the Advent theme, we will be doing them again this year.  This year’s theme is An Advent Journey and it will be developed in the sermons and other worship elements, as well as on the posters. What will we find on the posters?

Poster 1 – KEEP AWAKE – What are you watching for?
We begin our Advent Journey with the reminder to Keep Awake – Keep Alert! God constantly looks for ways to surprise us and catch us off guard. The poster shows a group of people looking to heaven as they keep watch and stay alert.

Poster 2 – PREPARE – What are you preparing for?
This poster shows John the Baptist, out in the wilderness by the Jordan River, ready to baptize those who would join the journey to be baptized. John’s message to the people of his day and to us is, “Prepare!”

Poster 3 – DO NOT BE AFRAID – What do you need to stop fearing?
The angel Gabriel appears in this poster, coming to Mary and speaking the words, “Do Not Be Afraid!”  Mary’s life changes forever with the news of the child that will be born. In our world today, we too need to be reminded not to be afraid.

Poster 4 – MY SOUL MAGNIFIES THE LORD – What are you praising God for?
Mary’s response to the angel is, “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” This is not the response of someone who is living in fear. This poster shows the response of Mary to the angel as she ponders all of these amazing words.

We will begin coloring on Sunday November 12, so the posters can be ready for Advent. Plan to stop for a few minutes and color together. You are an important part of our Advent Journey.