If any of our more liturgically minded friends could give us some information on the tradition of Advent, that would be great! I have fond memories of celebrating Advent as a child with my family, and would like to give my son the same gift, but I really want to dig into the traditions, more than just lighting candles on a wreath.
The first Sunday of Advent this year is the 29th.
Thank you!
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Great question, Scott! I was a little embarrassed that I had to look up info to answer your question, but it was a good exercise. It will help our family enjoy some quiet waiting during this otherwise busy season, and I hope it helps yours too! :-)
ReplyDeleteThe word "advent" means "coming." The season is an anticipatory time of reflection on why the world so desperately needed what happened on Christmas. This website goes into the history some more: http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=3903
I also like how another website explains it: "The church invites her children and the children of the world to come aside during these days for some spiritual R & R–for rest and reflection on the promises of God! Rather than fussing and fuming about the commercialization of Christmas, the church quietly offers an alternate way of approaching December 25th." (quote from here: http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=716)
What does that look like for little families like ours? We also did some devos around a wreath growing up...but unfortunately since it was a sporadic and only-during-Advent/Lent thing, it was more awkward than sacred in my perception. If done consistently amongst people who regularly share their spiritual lives with each other it would be a very meaningful time.
I also like a couple of the ideas found on the second website listed above: Learning an Advent hymn as a family and singing part of it each day; and putting the nativity scene out little by little. Randy and I have yet to discuss these items but I know he's up for most anything to improve our family's spiritual life.
As mostly a side note, in my church growing up, I learned to appreciate the pastor's practice of not singing any Christmas carols until Christmas Eve, but then singing them all the way through Epiphany at least (Jan 6). Perhaps I will take a similar route here at the house regarding our CD player...
Best of wishes as you develop your traditions! :-)