'Advent Windows' brighten holiday season locally

Members of the Meadville United Methodist Church are bringing the holiday season to life by once again hosting their “Advent Windows” outreach throughout the community.

The Rev. Calvin Cosnahan, who serves as pastor of the church, said the initiative seeks to produce a living Advent scene at homes and businesses to mark the holiest of all holidays during the calendar year.
“The effort began during the coronavirus pandemic because many people couldn’t gather and this was unique way to mark the Advent season,” Cosnahan said.

“The premise is for participants to host an Advent window or display with a devotional service, a time of prayer along with singing hymns of the Christmas season.”

The pastor said the Advent windows observance started as a substitute for corporal worship, but has taken on a new opportunity for Christians to come together to fellowship.

“So many people enjoyed it and found it meaningful, the church decided to continue doing this now that we’re hopefully beyond the worst of COVID-19,” he continued.

“We invited people to host their own Advent windows and the effort has really taken off for 2022. It is our hope that people from across Franklin County will come and take part in this effort to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas.”
Cosnahan said the heart of the “Advent Windows” initiative is to celebrate community and produce a goodwill-to-all spirit among hosts and spectators.

Programs have already been hosted by Mark and Dixie Clay on Saturday, Dec. 11 and by Jones Industrial on Wednesday, Dec. 14.

Upcoming “Advent Windows” gatherings are scheduled at 5:30 p.m., nightly at the following locations:

Sunday, Dec. 18 — Orilla Joseph and Aimee Harris at 220 Walnut Street in Meadville.

Monday, Dec. 19 — Bob, Susie and John Robert Kimbrough at 169 Olive Street North in Meadville.

Tuesday, Dec. 20 — Grady and Barbie Fleming at 355 Walnut Street South in Meadville.

Wednesday, Dec. 21 — Margaret Chatham and Madelene Carter at 172 Mississippi Highway 556 in Meadville.

Thursday, Dec. 23 — Pastor Calvin and Tina Cosnahan at 153 Oak Street South in Meadville.

Additionally, Meadville United Methodist Church will hold its “O Holy Night” Christmas Eve celebration beginning at 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 24.

Coen Perrott will perform as the guest soloist for the program marking the holiday season.

The church is located at 101 South First Street in Meadville.

For additional information on these holiday programs, call 601-384-2936, visit the church’s website at www.meadvilleumc.com or see their Facebook page.