[Worship] FW: Advent article

[Martha McGovern]

Let’s consider this approach to Advent at our Wednesday meeting.  Steve Peck is a member of MOV Interfaith and has spoken at FUUSM several times.

Martha

Sent from Mail for Windows

From: Peck Stephen
Sent: Monday, November 1, 2021 8:11 PM
To: Martha McGovern
Cc: Carol Peck
Subject: Advent article

Advent 2021  (Fr. Steve Peck)

Are you ready for Christmas?  Thankfully, the Christian church calendar contains an entire season to assist with this recurring dilemma, thus providing a way to answer the question affirmatively.

Starting on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, Advent represents the beginning of the year for the church (liturgical) calendar.  The name for Advent comes from the Latin word "adventus" meaning "coming" or "arrival."  Traditionally, the color for Advent is purple (as is the color for Lent) and it represents a time to reflect introspectively and prepare for the coming of Messiah.  In a broad sense, the coming of the Christ has a threefold meaning: the past birth of Jesus celebrated in the Nativity, the presence of Jesus in the heart of the believer, and Christ's promised future return.

Over many centuries, different customs have originated to recognize the Season of Advent with celebration.  An Advent Wreath is a good way to get started, and is especially appropriate for home use.  An evergreen wreath signifies eternal life.  The wreath contains four candles: ideally three purple and one rose-pink, with a larger "Christ Candle" in the center.  Materials for construction are available in craft shops, and fire safety is obviously important.

One purple candle, The Candle of Hope, is lit on the first Sunday of Advent (8 November 2021). The candle lighting is followed at each celebration by Scripture, devotion, and prayer.  A second purple candle, signifying Peace, is lit with the Hope candle on the second Sunday of Advent (5 December 2021).  The rose-pink "Candle of Joy" is lit on the third Sunday of Advent (12 December 2021) along with the candles of Hope and Peace.  On the fourth Sunday of Advent (19 December 2021), the final purple "Candle of Love" is lit with the three previous candles.  Finally, all candles are lit on Christmas Eve night or Christmas Day culminating with the central "Christ Candle."

The prayers and devotions can vary by community.  One of my faith communities has decided this year to take an experimental path to a more radical observance of Advent -- a time of "RADVENT."  The four weekly themes will be amplified by social and justice concerns of the World Community with a special emphasis on marginalized persons and groups.  For example, "Hope" can look at our roles in making a better future, being aware how the effects of climate change particularly affect persons with limited resources. "Peace" can seek empathy with persons affected by armed conflict. Acknowledging our blessings with "Joy" can reflect the flipside of learning to help individuals and families who lack access to healthcare.  In the fourth week, each of us can contemplate the virtue of "Love" by better learning to love one another -- paying special attention to persons who love differently.  On Christmas and beyond, how can I see the face of Jesus in those who are  marginalized?

In the United States, the secular season of Christmas is in full swing by November 1st with the packing away of spooky inflatables.  Christmas decorations appear on city streets and suburban lawns.  Christmas music is heard in stores and on airwaves before Thanksgiving.  And suddenly, beginning on December 26th, it rapidly disappears.  Ironically, the Christian Season of Christmas has barely begun; in traditional Christianity, the Season of Christmas begins on the night of Christmas Eve and continues until the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th.  

Wall Street, Madison Avenue, and other metaphorical influencers of the American Economy want our "preparation for Christmas" to involve massive spending: the hottest toys, the latest electronics, expensive parties and clothing, and exotic vacations.  This year, consider preparing for Christmas in a different way.  Learn the traditions of Advent: Scriptures, symbols, and music (Traditionally, Christmas carols in the church begin on Christmas Eve). I invite you to prepare spiritually during the Christian Season of Advent, and for the spiritually adventurous, to celebrate "RADVENT."


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