Don't Forget Advent!

• This Sunday we will begin a new church year. Advent allows us to once again turn our attention to the preparation for the coming of the Lord. Advent is a Latin word meaning “the coming.” Officially established by church leaders in the sixth century, Advent was originally meant to be a time when Christians reflected on the meaning of Christmas. Today, fourteen hundred years after the first Advent season, many churches and families use the symbols of Advent—wreaths, candles, and calendars—to bring the spiritual meaning of Christmas alive in a way that teaches minds, touches hearts, and reflects the original purpose of the tradition. How can we see Christ more clearly, judge the world more wisely, and live in relationship with God more faithfully? Consider the following for the church and/or the home:

• sing the hymns of Advent and save the Christmas favorites for Christmas
• make a paper chain to countdown through Epiphany-using different colors for each season (purple, white, green)
• hang banners and wear vestments and stoles that reflect the colors (typically purple or blue with accents of gold) and symbols of Advent
• enjoy the children’s book Waiting for Noel by Anne Dixon
• observe times as a family. Will this mean those that live just under your roof or does family mean your church family? Include those that might live alone in your family’s activities such as sharing a meal, baking cookies or decorating a tree.
• use an Advent wreath as a teaching symbol during worship. Invite members of the congregation to light the candles. These people can represent the entire faith family: traditional family units, the widowed, the single, and the divorced. A wreath can also be placed on the dinner table for lighting of the candles prior to family devotions and prayer.
  

We seem so eager for Christmas to arrive. If we hurry too quickly to the celebration of Christmas, we will be unprepared to welcome Christ. Blessings for your Advent.

Countdown to Advent: The Jesse Tree

The story of Jesus brings hope, so do trees that absorb the old air and produce fresh air. So, the use of Jesse trees in our churches and homes tell not only stories of faith, but represent symbols of hope for the world. The tradition of the Jesse Tree dates back to medieval times. The name of the tree refers to the lineage of Jesse, mentioned in Isaiah 11:1: “A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.” In creating a contemporary Jesse tree, one can use symbols from scriptural references and add others that have particular relevance for the local setting.

Learning is most significant if the message is delivered in several different means. If you have a Jesse tree you might also consider:

• A prayer of dedication for the Jesse tree.


• Incorporate hymns with the progressive decorating of the trees.


• Wearing a teaching stole with Jesse tree symbols. Such as the one found at http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeoro2y/id36.html


• Use the Jesse tree symbols on bulletin covers.

Jesse trees can bring new life to old, old stories in your congregation this Advent!

In the News

Vestments, in the past several weeks, have been making news headlines! The Red Mass, celebrated annually in the Catholic Church for judges, prosecutors, attorneys, law school professors and students, and government officials was celebrated at the beginning of the month. It takes its name from the red vestments worn by the celebrant and the people at the Mass to symbolize the Holy Spirit.

Secondly, it was a pleasure to read about the Rev. Gary Schulte as he was installed in New Hampshire to head the Congregational churches in that conference. Reportedly, hundreds celebrated by wearing white robes and colorful vestments.

Most recently, the news services have described the multicolored vestments that represent a new dawn, worn by Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori as she formally took office Saturday as the first woman to lead the Episcopal Church.

Color has been used symbolically by all civilizations. I see it as a gift that unifies, focuses, and teaches. It also supports our emotions for celebrations and reflection. May we continue to embrace color through our faith and in our worship of the Almighty God!