Advent by The Rev. Laura V. Queen Advent is the first season of the church year, beginning with the fourth Sunday before Christmas and continuing through the day before Christmas. The name is derived from a Latin word for "coming." The season is a time of preparation and expectation for the coming celebration of our Lord's nativity, and for the final coming of Christ "in power and glory." It is often helpful to develop a personal approach to Advent. Some people use this season to take on a new behavior similar to Lent, but often the behavior for Advent includes an act of charity, kindness, or thoughtfulness, rather than self denial as in Lent. In one setting I worked in we had Advent Friends, similar to a Secret Santa, but rather than just small gifts we offered prayers, wrote small poems, or devotions for the person. Another way to approach Advent is through a Daily Devotional or Reflection Guide. This year we have a booklet entitled "Daily Reflection for Advent & Christmas, Waiting in Joyful Hope 2007-08" by Jay Cornier, D.Min. an adjunct professor of Humanities at St. Anselm College. It will be provided as a gift to those who attend. Advent Series Each Wednesday evening in Advent we will gather together to prepare for the celebration of the birth of Christ. At 6:00pm a simple meal will be provided by the church, followed by a brief reflection and discussion followed by an optional labyrinth walk meditation, finishing by 8:00pm. The theme of our discussion will be based upon the New Testament Readings for Advent. Too often we become engulfed by the culture and respond to this joyous occasion with consumerism and stress. The holidays can be a time fraught with mixed emotions and so busy we forget to take the time to choose what is important for ourselves. Please come for one or all of these gatherings.
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