“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field keeping watch over their flock by night.” (Luke 2:8 KJV) The season of Advent is once again upon us. Advent starts four Sundays before Christmas and is a time to prepare for Christmas. This year I want to ponder some of the “supporting cast” of the Christmas story. Specifically, I want to look at the ones who are waiting; in the case of the first Christmas, waiting for the coming of the Messiah. First up will be the shepherds. There has been some … [Read more...] about Supporting Cast to the Christmas Story: Shepherds
Advent
Advent: Joy Amidst Sorrow
If you have kept an Advent wreath this Advent, this week you lit the pink candle. Each candle has a different theme. The first two candles were hope and peace. Next week's candle is love. This week is joy. Joy is a somewhat odd note to strike in the midst of a somber season like Advent. And this year, bringing up joy seems like a cruel joke, especially to those who are having extreme sorrow. But see what the prophet Zephaniah says: Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all … [Read more...] about Advent: Joy Amidst Sorrow
Advent and John the Baptist
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