[Worship] FW: Advent article

[Nancy Luthy]

I like it, Martha.  I would have only a slight concern that we might be
misunderstood to be suggesting a replacement for scripture rather than an
enhancement of the symbolic meaning.  I often have that experience when I
share my interpretation of some of the Christian teachings that are
important to me!!
Nancy

<http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail>
Virus-free.
www.avg.com
<http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail>
<#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

On Tue, Nov 2, 2021 at 9:01 AM Martha McGovern via Worship <
worship at fuusm.org> wrote:

> 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 <https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for
> Windows
>
>
>
> *From: *Peck Stephen <stephenpeck at yahoo.com>
> *Sent: *Monday, November 1, 2021 8:11 PM
> *To: *Martha McGovern <marthamcg at suddenlink.net>
> *Cc: *Carol Peck <peck.mrs at gmail.com>
> *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."
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Worship mailing list
> Worship at fuusm.org
> http://fuusm.org/mailman/listinfo/worship_fuusm.org
>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://fuusm.org/pipermail/worship_fuusm.org/attachments/20211102/edc78e5d/attachment.htm>