The advent season is traditionally a time to slow down and prepare ourselves for the coming of the Messiah. Each year it seems that more T.V. commercials tell us that this season is about getting what we want, and showing our loved ones we love them by giving them the "perfect gift". Its clearer each year that two "holidays" are celebrated during this season, one that worships consumerism and one that worships a savior who humbled himself and was born in the most lowly of circumstances. The verse in the gospels that states that one cannot love both God and money seems so appropriate. Can or should Christians celebrate Christmas in the way of the world? One way to be "counter-cultural" this season is to rediscover the practice of observing the advent season. A time to quietly wait and prepare ourselves, a time of repenting, confessing, longing, praying... Here is a liturgy for the first Sunday. Light a candle, make a wreath, and have a joy filled advent season!
Today we light the first candle of the Advent wreath. This is the candle of HOPE.
With Christians around the world, we use this light to help us prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of God’s Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.
May we receive God’s light as we hear the words of the prophet Isaiah:
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness — on them light has shined.”
– Isaiah 9:2
Lord as we look to the birth of Jesus, grant that the light of your love for us will help us to become lights in the lives of those around us. Prepare our hearts for the joy and gladness of your coming, for Jesus is our hope.
Amen
3 comments:
Even the Vineyard made room for Advent this year. Abigail and crew did a magnificent job hanging the greens and Cameron and Valerie (who finally got engaged) lit the first candle of the wreath after a liturgical reading. We even followed it up with an Advent brunch in the fellowship hall. I missed Smokin' Joe Suminiski's classic sausages though. And Harry Smith went storming out muttering... "I specifically went to the Vineyard so I could avoid stuff like this." Ah yes, Advent is here!
really cool post Wes. Steph and I were talking yesterday in the car about our family and what really matters...kind of a reflection on the simple yet so paramount things such as family. In fact, this Christmas Eve her mom and sister and bother are coming to our house and we are going to spend those few days telling sharing stories and memories, writing things down, creating closing things down a bit and just "being." I look forward to it, although it will be hard at moments, it's in those times (in which you wrote about) where you truly feel "full."
Thanks Wes for redirecting our hearts and minds once again to what Christmas is really about. And on that note, Dad and I would like to ask all of our children to only give a small gift to us if you want to give- although we don't need anything other than your love!
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