Although many complain, I cherish the high church tradition of programming only Advent music during these four weeks, refraining from Christmastide music until Christmas morning. Music shapes our inner life; churches have a powerful tool here to shape Advent grief and hope.
Same, I grew up hearing O Come O Come during the processional first Sunday in Advent. Last year they changed in, I was a little peavy about that and totally threw off the service for me. They also brought the kings into the Sanctuary. It pretty much did me in. I am chuckling now at myself but I didn't find it funny last year.
Yes! I think some subtext with this is to have the maturity of faith to take hold of your own spiritual practices. Not just relying on what you're hand-fed by Christian culture, church, or social media, but *deciding* the ritual has meaning. Making the choice to do these intentional quiet practices and the choice to believe they matter, if nothing else to letting your own heart feel and connect with God and be mindful.
Thank you, Sarah. Advent is really exactly what we need right now. I've learnt in recent weeks that today marks the beginning of the church year; something I wasn't really aware of before. I'm in a Church of England church, and I really like that they have a liturgy, where the Bible readings through the year in at least one of the church services follows a pattern which can take us through the story of God as we head through the year.
I met with a friend yesterday and we were talking through all of the crazy stuff going on that you mention. We're also going through battles on so many fronts with our current UK government. There are so many new laws being introduced that it's difficult to campaign on them all and protect vulnerable people, especially children.
But Jesus bursts through it all. He is come, he is coming, he will come. And I, for one, am so glad and so grateful.
Girl you got me misty eyed. I needed this and I am holding onto the hope of advent as this world continues to lose its damn mind. Thank you Sarah for showing us to keep our eyes on hope and the light.
I often dread December because it feels so 'denial-ish' -- the North American forced cheeriness (it’s the most wonderful time of the year!) feels at odds with the trauma and darkness in the world.
I read an article that noted we have two separate holidays that land on the same day/month—secular and spiritual—often with opposite demeanors and purposes. (Seems obvious, but that's why you get people trying to force those who don't know Christ to put the 'Christ' back into 'Christmas' - when for them it's now simply a fun, family winter gift day.) He suggested naming them as two distinct holidays, even if you celebrate both ("Christmas" and "Winter Gift Day") on the same day. This is helpful to me. I'm bringing Advent into it and thinking of Nov 30-Dec 24 as spiritual/reflective, light in the darkness, (low-key, thoughtful, restful, decor of candles, greenery, brass, Scandi, no pressure to produce false cheer :)) and Dec 25, as “Winter Gift Day” full of color, lights, friends, family, fun, food, gifts. I'm hoping I can be fully present in each without feeling either 'unspiritual' or like a ‘Christmas Scrooge.’ - sharing this here in case it's helpful to anyone else. :)
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Revelations 1:8
Since man’s expulsion from Eden, the world has been burning. It was burning when Jesus came as a babe in Bethlehem and it will be burning when as promised He returns in triumph.
We perpetually live in Advent as we await His return.
That was just beautiful. We stay faithful to the light that is to come, even in grief and exhaustion.
Although many complain, I cherish the high church tradition of programming only Advent music during these four weeks, refraining from Christmastide music until Christmas morning. Music shapes our inner life; churches have a powerful tool here to shape Advent grief and hope.
Same, I grew up hearing O Come O Come during the processional first Sunday in Advent. Last year they changed in, I was a little peavy about that and totally threw off the service for me. They also brought the kings into the Sanctuary. It pretty much did me in. I am chuckling now at myself but I didn't find it funny last year.
Waiting for the light in the darkness- it is an especially good year for that. 🙏🏽💜
THIS brings ongoing challenge and perspective. Keep writing! We’re reading every word. Thank you.
Yes! I think some subtext with this is to have the maturity of faith to take hold of your own spiritual practices. Not just relying on what you're hand-fed by Christian culture, church, or social media, but *deciding* the ritual has meaning. Making the choice to do these intentional quiet practices and the choice to believe they matter, if nothing else to letting your own heart feel and connect with God and be mindful.
I feel so much less alone in the world here. Thank you.🥹💗
Thank you, Sarah. Advent is really exactly what we need right now. I've learnt in recent weeks that today marks the beginning of the church year; something I wasn't really aware of before. I'm in a Church of England church, and I really like that they have a liturgy, where the Bible readings through the year in at least one of the church services follows a pattern which can take us through the story of God as we head through the year.
I met with a friend yesterday and we were talking through all of the crazy stuff going on that you mention. We're also going through battles on so many fronts with our current UK government. There are so many new laws being introduced that it's difficult to campaign on them all and protect vulnerable people, especially children.
But Jesus bursts through it all. He is come, he is coming, he will come. And I, for one, am so glad and so grateful.
The world has always been aflame
since the whole darn thing began.
It was made in God's bright name
but torn to bits by man.
The Romans and the blood-mad Greeks,
the Persians and the Medes;
the will of pride forever seeks
what it thinks it badly needs,
and so we must remain secure
in Advent's faith and hope.
That's what gives strength to endure
that which we cannot cope,
and it helps us understand
that this Earth is not our Land.
Girl you got me misty eyed. I needed this and I am holding onto the hope of advent as this world continues to lose its damn mind. Thank you Sarah for showing us to keep our eyes on hope and the light.
“If there are shadows there is light” Steph O’Brien - Mill City Church Minneapolis MN
There is hope -
Steph is a good one!
I often dread December because it feels so 'denial-ish' -- the North American forced cheeriness (it’s the most wonderful time of the year!) feels at odds with the trauma and darkness in the world.
I read an article that noted we have two separate holidays that land on the same day/month—secular and spiritual—often with opposite demeanors and purposes. (Seems obvious, but that's why you get people trying to force those who don't know Christ to put the 'Christ' back into 'Christmas' - when for them it's now simply a fun, family winter gift day.) He suggested naming them as two distinct holidays, even if you celebrate both ("Christmas" and "Winter Gift Day") on the same day. This is helpful to me. I'm bringing Advent into it and thinking of Nov 30-Dec 24 as spiritual/reflective, light in the darkness, (low-key, thoughtful, restful, decor of candles, greenery, brass, Scandi, no pressure to produce false cheer :)) and Dec 25, as “Winter Gift Day” full of color, lights, friends, family, fun, food, gifts. I'm hoping I can be fully present in each without feeling either 'unspiritual' or like a ‘Christmas Scrooge.’ - sharing this here in case it's helpful to anyone else. :)
This was just exactly perfectly what I needed. Thank you and blessings to all.
Thank you for this! Helps me breathe today…
So good. Thanks for sharing!
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Revelations 1:8
Since man’s expulsion from Eden, the world has been burning. It was burning when Jesus came as a babe in Bethlehem and it will be burning when as promised He returns in triumph.
We perpetually live in Advent as we await His return.
Wow! Well said. Thank you for sharing your gifts with this world to remind us--hope still happens.