Congregations Plan Services for Advent

Many local Christian congregations will mark the Advent season, which begins Sunday, with special services.

Derived from the Latin word for “arrival,” Advent is the monthlong season during which believers prepare for the coming of Christ.

“This is the time, like Lent, when we are to examine ourselves and prepare ourselves for his coming,” said the Rev. James Wilcox of the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene in Orange.

Following are among Advent events and services planned in Orange County:

* A “Prepare the Way for the Lord” Advent Mass for healing and reconciliation will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at St. Matthew Ecumenical Old Catholic Church. The church is at 1111 Town and Country Road, Orange. Information: (714) 647-1007.

* The Center for Spiritual Development, 434 S. Batavia St., Orange, will host an evening of Advent spirituality from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 5. The program will include performances by the Rosary High School Choir, the Rev. Steve Beckham and the Rev. Robert Bethancourt. Information: (714) 744-3175, Ext. 4400.

* The Laguna Beach United Methodist Church will have Advent celebrations at 8:30 and 10 a.m. Sunday. There will be music and a drama during the 8:30 a.m. service. Each service will be followed by an Alternative Christmas Bazaar benefiting Habitat for Humanity and the Heifer Project International. A “Hanging of the Greens” decoration party and dinner will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. There will also be Advent games and crafts and a visit from Santa Claus. The church is at 21632 S. Wesley Drive, South Laguna. Information: (949) 499-3088.

* Nancy Heidibrecht, professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at Fuller Theological Seminary and Southern California College, will speak on “Jesus in the Old Testament” at 8:45 a.m. Sunday and Dec. 6 at Trinity United Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Gary Demarest will preach on the beginning of the holy season during the 10:30 a.m. service. The church is at 13922 Prospect Ave., Santa Ana. Information: (714) 505-6254.