“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us “. (John 1: 14) The Christian year is coming to a close – Sunday, November 20 when we celebrate “Christ the King” is the last Sunday in the liturgical calendar. Then we start a new year with the First Sunday in Advent on November 27! This is a season of anticipation and preparation – for the humble birth of Jesus, the Christ Child, as we celebrate the incarnation of the Father’s only begotten son. But Advent is also a time when we anticipate and prepare for the the second coming of the Messiah in his full glory.
Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas as we enter into the Lesser Cycle of the Christian year – Advent – Christmas – Epiphany. We sing the familiar hymns and carols, the church is beautifully decorated, the Advent Wreath with its fresh greens and herbs and 4 candles plus the Christ Candle in on the altar table, the Christmon tree is set up – our traditions are comforting and for a few weeks we can remember the prophecies of the Old Testament and why we need a Savior, and be glad that God sent us one. We read, sing, and hear about John the Baptist who prepares the way for the Messiah, the message of the angel Gabriel to Mary and the journey to Bethlehem. We anticipate the baby in the manger, the young family, the shepherds and the Magi. In Advent, we sing “Come, thou Long Expected Jesus”, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”, “Lift up your Heads” and others. The colors for Advent are royal blue and gold for the paraments and banners and stoles. This color reminds us that Jesus is King.
The meaning of this season is powerful, because the Incarnation is a central aspect of the Paschal Mystery and must be experienced as part of the larger story. There is a connection to Jesus’ death and resurrection that cannot be forgotten. He is indeed our Lord and Savior, the Prince of Peace – and he will come again.
Please join us this Advent for worship at 11:00 am each Sunday morning for these special celebrations, and relive the real reason for this wondrous season.
– Vickie