Journeying Through Advent with Dietrich Bonhoeffer: An Invitation to Reflect and Prepare

Advent is a season of anticipation, reflection, and preparation—a time to pause and reorient our hearts to the mystery of Christ's incarnation. This year, our Advent Bible Study, "Journeying Through Advent with Dietrich Bonhoeffer," offers a unique opportunity to engage this sacred season through the lens of one of the 20th century's most profound theologians.

Who Was Dietrich Bonhoeffer?
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–1945) was a German pastor and theologian whose life and work were deeply rooted in his conviction that Jesus Christ is the only foundation for the sacred community (Sanctorum Communio). For Bonhoeffer, the church was not merely an institution but the living body of Christ, called to encounter God through shared life and mutual responsibility. His theology emphasized that discipleship is lived out in Life Together—a phrase he used to describe the communal, relational nature of the Christian faith.

While Bonhoeffer is often remembered for his courageous resistance to fascism and his role in opposing Hitler, his actions were not merely political but theological. His resistance arose from his unwavering commitment to Christ and his understanding of the church’s call to embody God's presence in the world. For Bonhoeffer, the church could not turn a blind eye to injustice or separate itself from the realities of human suffering because Christ Himself stands in solidarity with the oppressed.

Bonhoeffer’s theology challenges us to live faithfully in community, bearing witness to God's reconciling work in the world. His writings, including The Cost of Discipleship and Life Together, continue to inspire believers to pursue a faith that is deeply relational, profoundly communal, and uncompromisingly rooted in Jesus Christ.

Why Study Bonhoeffer During Advent?
Bonhoeffer's theology is steeped in the themes of Advent: waiting, hope, and God's inbreaking into a broken world. He emphasizes that Christ's coming demands a response—not just of belief but of action. His reflections challenge us to live faithfully in the tension between the "now" and the "not yet," embodying hope in a world longing for redemption.

In our time of political division, societal unrest, and global crises, Bonhoeffer's witness is especially relevant. His example reminds us that the gospel is not an abstract ideal but a call to tangible engagement with the suffering of others and the injustices of the world.

What to Expect
Our study will explore Bonhoeffer's Advent-themed writings, examining how his theology can deepen our understanding of this sacred season. Guided by Bonhoeffer's profound reflections in God is in the Manger, this three-part study will delve into the themes of Mystery, Redemption, and Incarnation.

Together, we will prepare our hearts for the coming of God in Jesus Christ at Christmas. While we will learn a bit about Bonhoeffer’s life and legacy, our primary focus will be on exploring these Advent themes to deepen our faith and anticipation during this sacred season. Each session will feature reflection, discussion, and practical insights for living out Advent hope in our daily lives.

When and Where
Join us on Wednesdays from December 4th to December 18th at 6:00 pm in the Fireside Room (or the Sanctuary if we need more space).

Let us journey together, inspired by Bonhoeffer's words and life, as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the wonder of God made flesh. We look forward to seeing you there!

See the Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/989994302863419/

Event Page on this Website: https://www.fccramona.org/events/bya56fpkswx4l5rj22slxb27k66xea