Story Stoles • Advent Collection

Advent, meaning “coming” or “arrival”, is intended to be a season of waiting—waiting for the Christ child to be born in our hearts anew, for God to create a new heaven and a new earth, for Christ to come again, and the reign of God to come to this world. 

Throughout this season, we read stories of John the Baptist announcing the in-coming of Christ’s ministry and we listen to angel messengers saying to Mary, Joseph, Zechariah, and Elizabeth “do not be afraid.” We remember these stories to commemorate God’s incarnate promises having been fulfilled in Christ. That is Christ Emmanuel, or God with us, who humbly entered the world while conceding to and exhorting vulnerability. Christ was and is a testament to how, in our weakness, we are made strong. 

While they last, our "Guiding Light," "Eternal Light," "Ignited Love" and "In Search of Sanctuary" designs are back for the 2023 season. Designs and fabrics may vary slightly but the stories they invoke are still the same. They tell of God's light, the Christ child, leading us forward into new ways of being. We're called to carry and share this light, forever drawing out people, pain, and hurt from life's merciless shadows. 

Our "Expectant Hope" and "Purposely Chosen" designs are new this year. "Expectant Hope" is a precursor to our "Holly and Hope" Christmas stole. Its blues, golds, and glittering poinsettias appear as if they're awaiting the dawn. Our "Purposely Chosen" stole features glistening snowflakes. We realize some parts of the world never experience snow over the holiday season. Just like a snowflake, though, we've been purposely and uniquely chosen to reveal God's love to the world!