If Advent is new to you, I don't blame you for feeling a bit confused. Advent as preparation for Christmas is a no-brainer. All these other things, like Jesus' return, that are a part of Advent, can seem beside the point. But in the second week of Advent, a figure takes center stage who both completely makes sense and who stretches our brains: John the Baptist. It makes sense to speak of John in Advent. John the Baptist is the one we know is coming to “prepare the way.” Listen to what the angel says to his father … [Read more...] about Advent and John the Baptist
Advent and the Second Coming
This is the first week in Advent. What is Advent you ask? Simply, it is the four Sundays before Christmas (see my post from last year). As a separate liturgical season, Advent has its own areas of focus. Perhaps the strongest emphasis (besides preparing to celebrate Jesus' first birth) is on Jesus' return. Jesus' Second Coming can have unpleasant connotations in many modern minds. Popular authors have spun out scenarios of empty cars on the highway in the wake of “the rapture” (the idea that Christians are taken out … [Read more...] about Advent and the Second Coming
(After) Advent: Celebrating Well
There are sad sights to be seen driving down my alley. They are the remains of Christmas trees, laying by the curb. Some have tinsel still caught in their branches. These trees were purchased and brought home with much excitement, and now they sit abandoned waiting for the city to come recycle them into compost. What is really sad is that Christmas is not over. Yes, Christmas Day has come and gone, but Christmas lasts twelve days. The ancient Church knew that Christmas was too important to only celebrate for one day, … [Read more...] about (After) Advent: Celebrating Well
Advent: Set the Captive Free
More children, women and men are held in slavery right now than over the course of the entire trans-Atlantic slave trade. This comes from the web page of the International Justice Mission (IJM). This is not to denigrate the horror of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, but to underlines the horror of the current situation. Check out IJM for more information. Photo credit: Andrew Mitchell via Flickr I am reminded of IJM's work this Advent because the word “captive” is common in the songs and readings in Advent: O … [Read more...] about Advent: Set the Captive Free
Advent: Walking in Deep Darkness
Are you scared of the dark? My two daughters don't like the dark. At night, when it is time for them to go up stairs to bed, they want lights on. And then they need a nightlight all night long. I think they will grow out of it – for now we leave the hallway light on for them. Photo credit: SkyD via Flickr Advent is a season for contemplating darkness. We remember the 450 years the people of Israel waited for God to act, and think about the “darkness” of this period when it seemed God's light had been withdrawn. … [Read more...] about Advent: Walking in Deep Darkness