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ADVENT AT ST. MATTHEW'S, STERLING, VA
Preparing our hearts and homes for Christmas
Advent is a season of preparation and hope, and you’re invited to journey with St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Sterling, VA. Each week we pause to reflect, pray, and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.
Whether you join us in person or online, you’ll find sermons, family activities, and devotionals to help make this Advent meaningful for you and your loved ones.
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The Great Advent Lock-In Sermon Series
During a time when many of us feel uncertain or distracted, Advent invites us to slow down and focus on what truly matters, preparing our hearts for Christ.
The Great Advent Lock-In sermon series encourages us to center our hearts on peace and purpose, and to commit to our best Christmas yet by rediscovering trust, generosity, rest, and love in a world that rarely pauses.
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Nov. 30th: Lock-In Trust, Seminarian Josh House
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Dec. 7th: Lock-In Giving, Rev. Rob Merola
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Dec. 14th: Lock-In Rest, Seminarian Josh House
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Dec. 21st: Lock-In Communication, Rev. Rob Merola & Seminarian Josh House; a conversation.
Advent Resources & Devotionals
Explore Advent devotionals and resources from St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, serving families throughout Sterling and Loudoun County.
LIVING WELL THROUGH ADVENT 2025: Practicing Generosity with All your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind
by Living Compass
This Advent, we're focusing on what matters most. 'Living Well Through Advent 2025' invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and practice generosity with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind.
Printed copies can be picked up by the front doors of the sanctuary beginning Sunday, November 23rd. If you prefer, a digital copy can be downloaded here:
Advent Bible Study: The Chosen Holy Night
Before the first Christmas, God’s people endured 400 years of silence, marked by hopelessness, shame, and longing for rescue. Then everything changed as angels proclaimed the birth of a Savior who would bring light, peace, joy, and love into the world. This Advent study journeys through Luke 1–2 alongside scenes from The Chosen Christmas special, Holy Night, exploring how that great turning toward hope unfolded—and how it can still unfold in our lives today. Meeting times: Wednesdays at 7:00 PM — December 3, 10, 17 Thursdays at 12:00 PM — December 4, 11, 18
What is Advent?
Advent is the first season of the church year. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and continues through the day before Christmas. The name is derived from a Latin word for “coming.” The season is a time of preparation and expectation for the coming celebration of our Lord's nativity, and for the final coming of Christ “in power and glory.” This article from anglicancompass.com provides a great explanation and additional resources.
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church is located at 201 E. Frederick Dr., Sterling, VA 20164, just minutes from Ashburn, Reston, and Leesburg. We’d love for you to journey with us through Advent and Christmas.