As you could guess by our name (Imago Dei, Latin for “image of God”) and our order of worship on Sundays, at IDC we like to blend the old with the new, the ancient with the modern, and tradition with the contemporary. Each week we share the Lord’s Supper, read the Scriptures together, pray the Lord’s Prayer, and often read aloud the historical creeds and prayers of the church.
We employ these historical yet relevant aspects of worship while also utilizing modern music in a casual yet genuine atmosphere. And we do all this in order to bring glory to God and see lives changed by the gospel.
Tradition is not an end in itself, yet we believe it can and does help us understand and apply biblical principles and worship in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). It also helps connect us as a 21st century local church to the practices of the church fathers, reformers, and the body of Christ over many centuries.
As Christmas approaches, the season of Advent is one such tradition we’re celebrating at Imago Dei. The word advent, another Latin term like Imago Dei, means “the arriving” or “the coming.” In terms of church tradition, advent refers to both Christ’s first coming at his incarnation, as well as his promised second coming.
For centuries, many churches have prepared for and celebrated the first advent of Jesus through a four week season of special worship and other traditions. Sunday, Nov. 27th marked the first Sunday of Advent for 2011. This will continue for three additional Sundays, culminating in Christmas where the church rejoices at the birth of Christ.
The primary way Imago Dei will be celebrating Advent is through the weekly lighting of candles on an Advent wreath, as well as special scripture readings by several of our covenant members. For additional information about Advent, the Advent wreath, and the miracle of the incarnation, check out this blog (What is Advent?) from Derek Devine of Apostles Church in NYC.
As we at IDC continue to anticipate the birth of Christ and recognize His first advent, we invite you to join us for weekly worship. We will continue to celebrate Advent for the next three Sundays, ending in a special Christmas Eve service at 5PM, Saturday, Dec. 24th.