Advent is the beginning of the church's liturgical year and comprises the four weeks before Christmas. The word "Advent" is derived from the Latin word
adventus which means "coming." This season of preparation dates back to the fifth century.The preferred liturgical color is royal blue, in part to give Advent it's own unique themes, rather than simply treating it as a "little Lent." (Some congregations still use purple, the Lenten color focused on penitence.)
Some recurring themes that you will notice in the readings this month (and therefore can expect to see in the meditations that are shared) include:
- hope
- darkness/light
- repentance
- watchfulness
- preparation
- expectation of the incarnation of Christ on Christmas
- anticipation of the fullness of time at Christ's second coming
In addition to this parish resource, if you are looking for additional online resources to help with your own devotions or perhaps for use around the supper table as you light an Advent wreath, a good place to begin is here:
Episcopal News Service Article on Advent Resources
No comments:
Post a Comment