Advent, 2019
The season of Advent, which means ‘coming’, begins on Sunday, December 1. Even though our culture has us already surrounded by the signs of Christmas, it is beneficial for us to observe Advent in all its richness.
Advent is a time of waiting, preparing and hoping. It is a season of ‘already, but not yet’, and thus has three basic meanings – past, present and future. First, Advent prepares us for the coming of Christ as a baby at Bethlehem. Second, Advent refers to Christ’s coming to us in Word and Sacrament, and in the work of the Church in the world. Third, Advent is a time of sober preparation for Christ coming again at the end of time – the Second Coming.
Sundays in Advent (December 1, 8, 15 and 22) will find us lighting our advent wreath and reflecting the themes of light in the darkness, everlasting life, victory over death, and the crown of Christ. The color of the paraments and vestments change to blue, symbolic of hope and expectation. There will be more silence and a more somber tone to contrast with the joyful character of Christmas worship.
Wednesdays in Advent (December 4, 11 and 18) will find us gathering for Holden Evening Prayer, 6:00 pm in the Meeting Room. Members of Grace Lutheran Church (Ulloa St.) will join us.