|
 The paraments (or the cloths that hang on the pulpit and drape the
communion table) have been changed from green to purple.
Purple—the color of advent is used because purple means royalty.
We drape ourselves with purple stoles as a sign that says “we are
preparing for the Royal One to return.” Of course this is the
Christ child.
Advent is four weeks long. A week or so shorter than Lent.
Lent is most often known for the season where we give up that which
may be a vice to us. During Lent, many commit to fasting or giving
up certain types of luxuries as a form of penitence. Many Christians
also add a Lenten spiritual discipline, such as reading a daily
devotional, to draw themselves near to God.
What about Advent?
The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word adventus, which means
“coming” or “visit.” In the season with this name, we keep in mind
both “advents” of Christ, the first in Bethlehem and the second yet
to come.
But what if Advent was a bit more…accessible than that? What if the
second coming is something we are waiting for and participating in
at the same time?
What if Christ’s coming again happens every time an act of
justice occurs or loved is expressed between people or people and
the earth?
What if Advent is in itself a reminder that God is still with us and
that we need not look any further than within ourselves?
What if we participate in Advent this year with the understanding
that we aren’t waiting for God to show up but instead we are waiting
to show up for God?
What if this season of Advent instead of wondering where God is in
the midst of these dark days…
What
If
We
Wander with the wonder God sees us with?
What
If
Advent
Is less
About
God
Coming
To
Us
And
More
About
Us
Coming alive to the divine in all things…
And…
Subsequently…
In
All
Persons?
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