The season of Advent has been recognized since roughly the 4th century CE. Originally it was a time for the faithful to prepare for baptism on Epiphany. As often happens with church traditions – they change. And in the Middle Ages, the season of Advent changed to become associated with preparation for the second coming of Christ (the word “advent” is derived from a Latin word meaning “coming.”) More recently, it has been associated with a time of preparation before the birth of Christ.
Even though the meaning of what Christians are actually preparing for has changed over the centuries, the practice of Advent has largely unchanged. It has been a time of slowing down. Of reflection. Of prayer and fasting.
It is a countercultural journey of faith in which the biblical readings assigned for these days call us to repentance and demand justice. They invite us to enter into the heart of God who is about to come among us not as an angry judge but as a human being.
I invite you to slow down this Advent. To ponder and reflect.
To this end, we have shared devotional booklets for you and your family to use perhaps while lighting your home Advent wreath each evening.
Members of Faith have also written Advent reflections which will be posted on our Facebook page daily or can be accessed here: https://faithlutheranchurchandover.wordpress.com/
Blessed Advent,
Pastor Jen