11-28-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
November 28, 2023
So what is this Advent thing? Simply put, Advent is the four weeks of preparation that help make the church ready to receive the Christ Child anew. And like the word suggests, it is a time when the church waits with great expectation for the “arrival” of a baby in Bethlehem. Even nonliturgical churches have found themselves practicing the Season of Advent in recent years. For those of us in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), we have been doing Advent in most of our churches for more than a hundred years. Of course, Advent is one of the oldest liturgical traditions in Christianity. After the Western Church designated December 25 as Christmas, we find references to the idea of Advent. Some of the earliest written evidence comes from the end of the 4th century, with the month of December defined as a time of fasting. It’s sort of funny how fasting was central to Advent, yet today, most of us are not thinking of fasting until after the first of the year when we try to get rid of those pounds we gained during December. Maybe it’s just me. Of course, Advent requires some deliberate actions for those who wish to take full advantage of the season. I don’t believe I have missed a single Sunday of Advent in 31 years, yet I have found myself waking up on Christmas Day on more than one occasion and thinking to myself, “Where did it go? Did I do any of the things I intended to do?” I can’t guarantee it won’t happen again, but I am already planning out some of my practices for this marvelous season we call Advent.

Do whatever you can to get my mind and spirit in a place where I am the most available to all this season offers. I make this request of you, Gracious God, as I believe there is much for me to learn and experience these next four weeks. Amen.