Well, I pretty much missed the chance to make comments on Advent, which is really too bad. Although observing Advent has never been a great strength of mine, it has been growing as a presence in my mind over the years. It’s value may, I think, lie powerfully in the idea of making the Feast that much greater by virtue of the preceding fast. If Advent is no more than the run up to Christmas, it really differs little from the practices of the infidel hordes who scurry madly about in a mass-induced hysteria, all the while claiming “Peace, Peace on earth!!!” It is a ludicrous irony.
Now that I am beginning to see Advent as the long night of waiting, the filling of lamps and the trimming of wicks, in preparation for the coming of the master (a la the parable of the 10 virgins)…then it begins to make sense. If it is the companion season of Lent, where we prepare our hearts to receive the Great Miracle, then it makes sense. I think I may be moving toward defining for myself a true rule or practice for Advent. I have about a year to figure it out. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Also, when Advent is treated this way, then a 12 Day time of Feasting really does appeal. I’m kind of liking the idea.
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2 comments:
Does your church use the lectionary? It is cycle A- the readings in Advent A were wonderful.
Pax and Merry Christmas,
Ron
We have a Advent service that we use as a grace every night of Advent. There is a call to worship and a Bible reading and a lighting of the candles in the Advent wreath. Then we sing a verse of an Advent hymn. If you would like a copy I can bring one to church on Sunday.
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