Advent Season

            This past Sunday was the first Sunday of Advent.  During the Time with Young Disciples, we had a conversation about Advent.  When I asked what Advent meant, they drew a blank.

Now, I know I could have just given some traditional answers such as “a time of preparation”, or “similar to Lent, a time of prayer and fasting”, or “anticipating the Second Coming of Christ”.  And, although these are true, I think the answer would have been as allusive as the question.

            Instead, I asked what is the meaning of “adventure” (there being a common root in the two words).  And I got some great answers.  Going to dangerous places.  Leaving on an exciting journey.  Doing something different.  Those descriptions are some of the best metaphors I’ve heard for this season.

            In Advent Season we do go to dangerous places.  We look at ourselves and at our world and we own up to the despair, destruction, sorrow all around us, some of which we have perpetrated one way or another.  Advent Season is a time to “turn around” (“repent”) and renew our walk toward justice and equality and hope.  Advent Season is when we hear the words of John the Baptist and realize we are part of the problem, and we need to change our behaviors.  Advent Season is a time when we feel hopeless in our current situation and long for a Savior.  So yes, Advent takes us to dangerous places.

            Advent is also leaving on an exciting journey, and I don’t mean to Black Friday shopping. During Advent Season we join Mary and Joseph on the road to Bethlehem.  We leave our familiar fields and go to see the Christ Child.  Our mural on our sanctuary is a vision of movement toward the Christ Child.  All circles, all lines, lead to Jesus.  Advent Season reminds us our journey is to Jesus, not just warm, fuzzy feelings.

            Advent Season is a time to do something different.  Traditionally the Church has designated this period as a time of prayer and repentance.  There are, however, some Advent Calendars where each day in December you do something for someone else.  Examples include: going through your closets and donating new or lightly used items to organizations that can make use of them; calling someone who doesn’t get out much and just say hi; getting a gift or two for someone who won’t be able to afford gifts; making a casserole or a meal for someone who lives alone; giving someone a ride to the grocery store.  Feel free to use your imagination as you concentrate on making the December days become days of spreading God’s love.

            May our Advent Season be blessed.

Rev. Clara