[ First: Why Advent?
Advent (from the Latin word adventus meaning "coming") is a season observed in many Western Christian churches, a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. ( read more from wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advent )
Weird. Granted, I wouldn't consider myself fully to have grown up in a church and know and understand all the traditions... BUT Advent I actually miss celebrating in our home Church in the States.
For a month leading up to December 25.. we lit candles at the beginning of our Sunday service while explaining the symbolism with each a different reason we celebrate Christs birth. I dont know who it was that started the tradition forever ago, but I applaud the efforts that have been passed down in my quaint Methodist denomination.. because if we are going to choose a day to celebrate Christs first and second coming.. then why not make sure that we are prepared for it? Choosing this season to remember go over some of our core beliefs and foundations. Then let our actions speak for themselves...
[ Second: What Happened?
Interesting how this is grossly unrelated our Christmas preparation is now in our western culture today. Instead of preparing our hearts, schedules, and mindsets to make a point love and serve one another we have traded this over time for busy-ness, commercialism, and stress. By the way- when I say 'western culture' Im including Australia, but making the point that I am also part of the problem if Im not part of the solution. One level of this perpetual roller-coaster is that Christians have not only fallen into this but led the way in many instances...
- Robie Seay, Advent Conspiracy
CONCLUSION: I was happy to read as I was a little homesick and randomly reading my Churches website that they were now advocating the "Advent Conspiracy."
... like a breath of fresh air... I am now just trying to sit back and really "take in" this Christmas a deeper understanding of Jesus, and the how and the why behind his coming. Dont get me wrong, trust in the faith of it all in 'face value' is nice but Im not a robot either. "God I have some questions for you"... is where Im starting.. I want to know you on a deeper level this coming year, and I want to start with 'this'.
"The story of Christ's birth is a story of promise, hope, and a revolutionary love.
What if Christmas became a more than just a 'holiday'?"
Resources you may like for more info:
The Advent Conspiracy ~ Official Website
"Why we wait" Article written by Rob Bell ~ Nov/Dec Issue of Relevant pg76.
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