Here Comes Advent...

[angli_fan]

The first Sunday in Advent is only 10 days away...what do you particularly like or dislike about this season of the church year?

[mewg]

I like the idea that somewhere there are no decorations, music etc until Dec 24.

[srigdon]

Advent/Epiphany hymns are better than Christmas hymns (probably because the latter are so overplayed.)

I can do without the C&E crowd.

[mewg]

Amen, Srigdon, on all thoughts.

[Sojourner]

My EfM group is challenging one another to take up an Advent discipline much like Lent. And while I understand a theolological reason to refrain from Christmas music until Christmas, thereby maintaining an outward, symbolic wait for Christmas during which we prepare ourselves for the joy of the Incarnation, I am less than rigid or dour when and if Christmas carols are played prior to the actual natal celebration.

I wonder how much effect school calendars have had on Christmas activities early in December rather than after Christmas. School closings usually occur shortly before and generally take up the better part of the 12 days. It's rather difficult to put on the typical celebrations after Christmas. Thus, I'm not going to make an issue out of St. Olaf's having their glorious program a couple of weeks before Christmas.

[Canadian Phil]

Hi all;

I love Advent and have, for the past few years, been trying ot implement something of an Advent discipline on myself (mostly in limiting evening school work). That is difficult sometimes, given the rush that occurs in December. And, of course, no decorations are up at our house until later in Advent. I admit I'm with Sojourner about not being too fastidious about parties, especially given that school ends this year on the 18th and inevitably there is some Christimas cheer by then.

My wife and I have been rather influenced by the Advent Conspiracy (see linked video) which is trying to encourage Christians to make the holiday more about faith and family than chasing around trying to find ever more presents. We're cutting down our buying for ourselves and have made deals with some of our family about making some of our hand-made things presents (homemade jams on our side.). We're not perfect and I don't think we can avoid being swept up to some degree in the Xmas excitement, but this is a really good way to reaffirm the season. Enjoy the video.

Peace,
Phil