Advent at Redeemer

What is Advent?

Advent: From the Latin for “to come”. In Advent we anticipate Christ’s second coming. In view of the return of our Lord, Advent is a time of preparation. During Advent we slow ourselves to listen and repent. This season provides an opportunity to practice waiting— building expectation and instilling hope.

What are we waiting for?

Waiting and longing are important aspects of our faith, but this takes practice. We scarcely have to wait for anything—and when we do, we find it to be painful. Every gadget imaginable is employed to help pass time and fill moments of silence. Busy-ness can lead us to forget that we are a people expecting Christ’s return.

A refreshing alternative.

Advent presents the Church with an incredible opportunity! While the world is consumed with hurry and stress—we display a different way; offering a refreshing alternative to the craziness that Christmas-time has become. Remember, Christmas is a season that begins on the Day of the Nativity (December 25th) and lasts for 12 days. Culturally, the celebration has shifted to before the Nativity, illustrating the temptation to bypass waiting in order to get to the ‘good’ stuff. Consider how this conditions us as Christians? For example, before a baby is born we prepare and rest in anticipation. Then we celebrate the arrival of the expected gift. Therefore, use Advent to “Nest,” so to speak, as we prayerfully seek to remove the clutter from our lives. Then, following this period of preparation, we party throughout Christmas in celebration of Christ’s birth!

The sound and feel of Advent in church.

The “Alleluias” are eliminated from the liturgy during Advent.

The sanctuary is adorned with purple and the Advent Wreath is introduced to mark time.

Space for preparation and contemplation is provided by a somber and calm mood.

Gaudete Sunday

What does the pink candle on the Advent wreath represent?
The third Sunday of Advent is called ‘Gaudete,’ meaning in Latin, ’rejoice.’ This is taken from the passage in Philippians 4:4-5, stating,"rejoice in the Lord always."
The readings for the day include themes of rejoicing:
Isaiah, says, “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord.”
1 Thessalonians, states, “Rejoice always.”

Ideas for observing Advent

Daily Prayer

Read the Daily Office readings in your Book of Common Prayer (beginning on page 11).

Advent Wreath

Forage, make or purchase an Advent wreath or calendar for your home. Download our Advent Wreath Prayer Guide at the link below.

Jesse Tree

There are many variations of this concept, but the idea is that each day of Advent, you read a little more of the story of the Bible leading up to Christ's birth on December 25. In addition to the readings, this book has several sets of paper ornaments to color, cut out, and hang each day which is good for several years or different ages of children. Also available for free is a Jesus Storybook Bible reading plan with ornaments to print & color which would be great for younger children or a multi-age family. *Some Advent observers decorate their Christmas tree with ONLY the Jesse Tree ornaments until Christmas Eve when they bring out all the rest of the ornaments. It can be a good way to emphasize this time of expectation.

Advent Paper Chain

This is a fun way, especially for very small children, to visualize the days of Advent and prepare for the celebration of Christmas. Cut colorful paper into strips, tape the ends to make the first link, then each day add one more link to the chain. Looks lovely strung across a doorway or as a growing garland for your tree.

Amaryllis Bulb

Like the paper chain, this is a great watching and waiting exercise. I find the bulbs you can find in stores (like Trader Joe's, for example) dipped in wax usually bloom about Christmas time. It is marvelous to watch the progress of the plant and its beautiful blooms.

Books for Kids

Counting to Christmas by Gail Pawlitz - This book is a good, brief, all-in-one Advent family devotional resource. It has little doors to open, scripture, stories, activity ideas and great wondering questions about the season.

Hallelujah: Cultivating Advent traditions with Handel's Messiah by Cindy Rollins - This book is just what it says; a little of Handel's Messiah each day which, like the Jesse Tree, is made up of the prophecies and signs foretelling Christ's birth. Contains other devotional ideas, recipes, and inspiration. An overall great way to add a beautiful musical element to your Advent devotion.

Little Way Chapel Family Advent Guide

This is a lovely all-in-one guide with daily scripture readings, prayers, activities, and more to guide your family through the season. Fairly inexpensive, but you do need to print it yourself.

Journey to Bethlehem

If you have a set of Nativity figurines, pick a place, perhaps your prayer table, to set up the stable and manger. Each night or early morning, place Mary, Joseph and the donkey somewhere different in your house. Children can hunt for them each morning! On Christmas Eve, Mary and Joseph can finally arrive at the stable and on Christmas day Baby Jesus can join the scene.

If you really want to get crazy…

Delay setting up the Christmas tree or gradually decorate to build anticipation. Try holding off on listening to carols until Christmas begins.