Wait for the Lord and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off. Psalm 37:34 ESV
The Christian Church is now officially in the season of Advent. The word advent comes from the Latin adventus and simply means “to come.” Advent, a season of preparation, and anticipation, always begins on the Sunday nearest St. Andrew’s Day, November 30, and lasts until Christmas Eve. Its significance comes in looking forward to and waiting for something greater than ourselves; that is, the annual celebration of Christ's birth, and for the time when Christ will come again. We do this by focusing on hope, peace, joy and love. Though traditionally celebrated by liturgical churches (i.e., Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, etc.), more non-liturgical churches are choosing to be a part of this wonderful season of preparation. It has been noted that, while December speeds up, Advent slows down. Amid the hustle, bustle and commercialization surrounding the holiday season, it gives us an opportunity to pause and reflect upon the true meaning of the season.
The liturgical color for Advent is purple which brings out the sense of waiting that characterizes Advent, as we await the coming of Christ. Purple is also seen as a color of penitence. In this regard, Advent somewhat mirrors Lent and has sometimes been referred to as a “mini Lent.” Some churches, such as here at St. Dunstan’s, use blue in place of purple. Blue represents hope, and its use has an extensive Biblical basis, especially when it comes to priestly vestments and in the hangings used in worship.
The opening collects for each Sunday reflect the themes previously mentioned of hope, peace, joy, and love. They can be found in the Book of Common Prayer beginning on page 159 (for traditional language) and page 211 (for contemporary language). Why not take a moment to read and meditate on these special prayers?
Probably the most familiar of advents symbols for most people is the Advent Wreath, which can be seen next to the lectern at the front of the church. The Advent Wreath was first used by German Lutherans in the 16th century but has since been used by many other denominations. It consists of a horizontal green wreath with four purple candles (or three purple and one pink), with a larger white candle in the center. The circle represents God’s unconditional and unending love; the evergreens the hope of eternal life and the four candles the four Sundays of Advent. Families often find the lighting of the Advent Wreath in the home is a wonderful time to get the family together to focus on the meaning of the season. Beginning with the First Sunday of Advent, a candle is lighted, accompanied by a Bible reading, devotional time and prayers, with an additional candle being lighted on each of the following Sundays. The white candle in the center is lighted on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, depending on local custom.
Advent and the symbols associated with it are just that—symbols. They point us to a greater truth and a greater purpose. The season of Advent, like Lent, can not only help prepare our hearts for the celebration to come, but can provide a disciplined way for us to spend time in the study of Scripture, in meditation, and in prayer. To that end, there are a number of printed and online resources available to aid in such daily and/or weekly meditations. One good resource is The Liturgical Home: Advent by Ashley Tumlin Wallace, available on Amazon, which gives readings for each day in the season. There are many others, both online and in hard copy.
During Advent, we not only prepare ourselves to celebrate the birth of Jesus, but we also check in to see if we are doing all the things that will keep us ready to receive Jesus when he comes again. Consider how you are doing in attending to your spiritual life not just personally, but also as a family. Recommit yourselves to praying daily, reading Scripture, and staying faithful to God’s commandments. Pray together that through this Advent season you and your family will be more prepared to receive Jesus when he comes again. May each of you have a blessed Advent.
Steve+
Prayer: God of Love, Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us. He is a sign of your love. Help us walk in that love during the weeks of Advent, As we wait and prepare for his coming. We pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior. Amen.
