Yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent -- the beginning of the new church year -- so, Happy New Year, World Impact Pastors!
I realize not every Baptist church chooses to "do" Advent and yet others light candles, hang chrismons, sing Advent songs (not Christmas carols, yet) -- all in preparation, of anticipation, of celebration of the coming of Christ both as a baby in Bethlehem and as our Saviour. For some this may seem too much like the Roman Catholics while for others it is an opportunity to connect with Christian brothers and sisters around the world from various denominations.
What does your church do during the month of December? Is worship any different this month than it was last? Is your worship center/sanctuary decorated differently? Will you light the candles of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love or Angels, Shepherds, Wiseman, and Stars? Will you have any special events leading up to Christmas? Are you singing O, Come, O, Come Emmanuel or Joy to the World?
Isn't it great as Baptists we're not bound to do Advent at all, in fact we can pick and choose the elements we like and forget about the rest. In any case, isn't it amazing God loved us so much that we have Emmanuel - God with us - right here among us! Happy December and Happy Preaparing for the celebration of Jesus' Birth!
-Trisha
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Hi Trisha, and thanks for the invitation to join the conversation. Hope things are well at Herndon/McLean; I was in your neighborhood yesterday and met some very interesting people (more on that later).
To your question about Advent: my thoughts go to the burgeoning number of ancient-future churches, like the one I just joined. it is a new church plant in Charlottesville and is named "All Souls" - very Anglican sounding, which fits somehow with the city's vibe. Our initial gatherings in November and December are around Advent themes. I'll let you know more later after we meet, but suffice to say, i think there will be churches "doing" Advent out of more than custom in years to come.
peace,
JC
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