Advent & Christmas

Dear Saratoga Federated Family,

At the end of a year like none of us have ever experienced before, I want to invite you to pause and to ponder Christmas as you never have before. Even in the dark of 2020, the world has seen a great light. Unto us a child is born, and unto us a Son is given. He is our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

During this season of Advent, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of the King, we will consider the stories of five characters; outsiders, outcasts and misfits whose lives were forever changed by the light of the world.

Pondering Christmas is a four-week series about slowing down to meditate on the gift of Christmas. It is an opportunity to consider the great light that has pierced the deep darkness of our world. As you ponder Christmas, consider these questions. Where has your life grown dark? Where do you long to experience the great light of Christmas?

With the health of our community at the forefront of our minds, the Senior Staff have prayerfully decided to close the church campus in compliance with revised health guidelines from the county. All of our gatherings will be online only until further notice. While we cannot be together in person this season, let us remain united through communal experiences in pursuit of the light of Christmas. Some of these experiences include: 

• Advent Study: Sally Bryant has written a beautiful Advent devotional designed for all ages, and we encourage you to ponder this study with us as we move through December. Hard copies will be available at the church or by calling (408) 867-1000.
• Advent Wreath Candle Lighting: Join us in our Sunday gatherings while we light our Advent wreaths communally from our homes, led by families with special needs youth.
• Saratoga Federated Christmas Light Display: We encourage your families to drive by to view the exterior of the church, festively decorated with a display designed to light up our community with the love of God and the anticipation of Christmas.
• Advent Offering: Recipients are Sola Gratia and Advent Ministries. More information on the our offering partners can be found at www.saratogafederated.org/christmas.

We invite you to join us in a season of expectation as we ponder together.

• December 6 - The Magi: Outsiders Who See God
• December 13 - Mary: The Young Girl Who Pondered Christmas
• December 20 - Simeon and Anna: Oddballs Who Live to Bless
• December 24 - The Shepherds: Outcasts Who Simply Respond

“In him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the dark-ness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:4-5

In His firm grip,
Sean Miller