Advent is a season rich in tradition, symbolism, art, music, and liturgical practice. It has its own unique themes as well as those that point the way to Christmas.
Advent comes from the Latin word, adventus, meaning “coming.” It is a season to prepare for the coming of Christ in various meanings:
the promised coming of the Messiah to the Jews,
the coming of Jesus being born in Bethlehem,
the promised return of the risen Christ in final victory,
and the continual coming of Christ into the lives and hearts of believers.
Advent, as a tradition, began in France in the fourth century. In various times of the church, it has been observed for three, four, and even seven weeks leading up to Christmas.
This year Cross Lanes United Methodist Church will incorporate Advent themes and symbols in worship starting this Sunday, November 10, prior to the more traditional December start of Advent. We are doing so to avoid the conflict of Advent versus Christmas. (Like everyone else, we love Christmas!)
The readings for the first three weeks of Advent fit the themes of yearning for the return of the risen Christ in final victory:
Mark 12:35-44 The widow’s mite: giving it all away
Mark 13:1-8 Will we know when the end is coming?
John 18:33-37 Christ the King Sunday: ‘So you are a king?’
May this Advent season be a time of prayer, reflection and encouragement as we move through these next seven weeks together drawing closer to Christ, Emmanuel, God with us.
An Advent Prayer of Preparation:
It doesn’t matter whether or not you can have faith;
whether or not you are cynical or despairing,
hope-filled or hope-less:
what matters to God is simply that you are here.
We are entering the time of Advent,
in preparation for Christmas.
Advent reminds us that if God is to be born again
in the most ordinary parts of our world and our lives
that we need prepare for it.
We need to make the space in our lives
where love might be born.
Welcome to this tiny corner of a harsh and dark world.
Together, let us practice being ready
in the faith that Christ will come.