Sunday, November 30, 2008

Happy New Year

Not quite the greeting you thought you would see 11/30/2008. Today is the 1st Sunday of Advent which is the beginning of the year, liturgically speaking. I am no longer Episcopalian, but I do still love the liturgical calendar.

This is the time to prepare our hearts for the celebration of the birth of Jesus as well as the 2nd coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Growing up in the Episcopal Church, Advent was purple and at some point Advent became blue. I did hear a priest say it’s because we are less penitential than we used to be, I was never sure if Father Steve was joking or that is why the switch from purple to blue was made.

The Advent Wreath is a symbol which reminds us we are called to be a light to the world as we reflect the light of God's grace to others (Isa 42:6). Advent is a season of preparation, hope, and anticipation. These words from Isaiah sum it up:

A voice of one calling: "In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.

I love this passage from Isaiah as well; it’s the grandest birth announcement in the history of the world:

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Celebrate the New Year today and let your light shine. Take the next 4 weeks and prepare Him room.

5 comments:

luvmy4sons said...

So much of what you wrote reminded me of my Catholic days growing up. I don't know if they still do purple or not. I think they do. Advent. Usedto have some great Advent books I read aloud to the boys. Well, Happy New Year to you!

Karen said...

Blessed Advent to you! May we prepare our hearts for Him.

Advent is one way to help refocus on the birth of Christ rather than the commercialism of Christmas.

Oh, the Amy album was the one with Breath of Heaven on it. I'll have to get it out and start playing it, I suppose.

Anonymous said...

I treasure the solemn soul examination of Advent. I love the royal purple and deep blue symbolizing His eternal reign when all will be made right. Advent is a season we all need in our lives, of close conscience examination and of being found ready. Happy New Year to you, my sweet friend. We sang a Christmas carol today in church and it just didn't quite feel right...I'll have to prepare my heart with Christ alone but that probably is the way it is meant to be. Love you, Annette

Paula V said...

I, too, like the four weeks of preparing our hearts.

Love the Christmas layout.

Seems many decorate their blogs much like their homes.

Wendy said...

I love this post. So many good words and feelings. I never really knew what Advent meant, beyond the lighting of candles, of course.
I also love your Christmas layout. It's so pretty.