Advent: An Invitation

We're getting into that time of the year when we begin to see Christmas decorations in shops, and songs like Jingle Bells start creeping into the radio waves.  The joy of Christmas, in the form of outward signs and symbols, is beginning to build, culminating in stockings and gift exchanges and family dinners on Christmas Day.  While the anticipating is building out in the world, the Church invites us into a time of intentional preparation for the coming of Christ in the season of Advent.

In the Western calendar, Advent doesn't begin until the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day - this year, on December 2nd.  But in the Eastern rites, the season before Christmas is called the "Nativity Fast", and it begins tomorrow - 40 days before Christmas.  What's with the difference?

While the precise origins of Advent are obscure, as the liturgical celebration of the birth of Christ grew in popularity, so did the Church's call to prepare for it.  In the fifth century, the Bishop of Tours in what is now southern France directed that the faithful fast for three days per week for the forty days between the Feast of St. Martin (November 11th) and Christmas.  For this reason, Advent is still often referred to as "St. Martin's Lent."  While the strict fasting requirements faded over the centuries in the West, we still hear themes of penitence and self-denial in our Advent liturgies, as well as a call to prepare ourselves for the threefold coming of Christ in our lives: in the manger at Christmas, in the bread and wine at Holy Communion, and when he shall come as judge at the end of the ages.

Advent is certainly counter cultural in the year 2018!  You and I will likely attend more Christmas parties in the month of December than we will Advent-specific gatherings.  As you would expect from your priest, I am extending an invitation to you to join with the Church as we prepare for the coming of Christ.  Like Lent, there are opportunities to take up a new practice or consider giving something up, or preferably, a mixture of both.  

Here are some ideas on how you might engage in this spiritual preparation:

• Consider fasting:
  • This could involve fasting from food on one or more days per week, or fasting from something that has power over you (sugar, alcohol, etc.).
  • Perhaps it's something that takes up an inordinate amount of your time.  For some, this is television; for others, it's sports; for others still, it's time at the bar.
• Consider taking up a new spiritual practice:
  • Join me for an Advent book study.  We will meet each of the three Saturdays of Advent at 10:00 a.m. to talk about this book.  I'm about to make an order, so please let me know if you want me to order you one (just shoot me an email).  They are $14, but if you can't afford one, please let me know and we will find a way to cover it.
  • Wednesday nights, join us for Evening Prayer at 6:00 p.m. 
    • In particular, consider coming to our annual Rorate Mass on Wednesday, December 12th at 6:00 p.m.  This is a Mass sung by candlelight in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and will also have a focus on healing for those suffering from grief and pain.
  • If you're able to get downtown during the work day, come to the the noon Mass during the week.  Mass is at 12:05 every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
  • Consider making a private confession.  You can schedule a confession with me by clicking here.  If you'd like me to connect you with another priest, I'd be glad to - just shoot me an email.
• ​Consider doing something to help others in need:
  • ​Bring non-perishable items for the homeless.  There is a basket by the baptismal font in the nave, and more ideas about items to bring in the parish newsletter.
  • Consider a donation to Episcopal Relief and Development.  You can choose how your money is used: children, climate change, women, international disaster relief, hunger, etc.
  • Consider volunteering for Downtown Outreach.  If you're interested, email Nancy Waggoner.  

Out of an intentional Advent preparation comes a truly glorious Christmas.  The reality is that we are in the time of waiting for the baby, but when the baby is born, all happiness breaks loose. We will celebrate Christmas together on Christmas Eve with Solemn High Mass with full choir at 10:30 p.m. (choral prelude beginning at 10:00 p.m.) and Sung Mass on Christmas morning at 10:00 a.m. with carols.  

I invite you to a holy Advent of preparation, patience, and hopeful anticipation for the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Peace,
Fr. Charles

---