What is Advent?
Participation in the season of Advent is increasingly becoming more common within the evangelical Church. After years of exchanging the Christian calendar for the Hallmark calendar, churches are beginning to value the formational value of the rhythms the seasons that tell the story of Jesus Christ. Celebrating the season of Advent is common in most churches yet there is still a great deal of confusion surround the purpose of the season. So let's dive into a deeper understanding of Advent.
Advent as Gestation
Amidst the frenzied shoppers eagerly devouring the early sales of the season, the historical pattern of the Church provides a sanctuary from the relentless messages of the season. Advent waddles through the endless shopping lists, decorations, banquets, and pageant practices like a woman in her third-trimester inviting us to stop at the bench to rest her swollen feet. Advent slows our gait down to a waddle as we bear the uncomfortable expectation of how the coming of the child will turn our world upside-down. She invites us to join with her in the careful preparation of the home that will welcome the new child. While we've been given the signs of what to expect when we are expecting, we don't know the hour at which this child will appear.
Two-fold Focus
The Church holds in its tradition the practice of Advent: a season of anticipation of both the eschatological return of Christ as the King and the celebration of the Incarnation. It is a season of waiting. Unfortunately waiting conjures up the hours spent scrolling through Instagram or Twitter in the doctor's office. We are bored and unproductive, perhaps two of the greatest social sins of our day. That is why the metaphor of a pregnancy is a better image to consider. The weeks that a woman is pregnant is valuable time for the preparation of the life that is going to enter into world. Therefore, we can shape Advent around similar themes.
Making Space
During the weeks and months before the arrival of the child there is a natural nesting instinct that kicks in within the parents. The realization of a new responsibility ignites the growing up that is sobering and serious. The room is decorated, the bassinet is readied, clothing is purchased, and supplies are organized; all in readiness for the coming of this important guest. Traditionally the Church has readied its worship space for this time by dressing up the worship space in deep blue and purple to signify royalty, repentance, and suffering. To be clear this is a very somber tone to set. Yet, as followers of Jesus we are a people marked with hope and joy as a product of our forgiveness. As a symbol of joy the third Sunday is marked with the color pink (rose). Churches hang banners and construct wreaths that draw our attention to the season of Advent.
Discomfort
Advent is a time for examination and repentance. In the same way that the arrival of a child causes a sober evaluation of habits and activities, so is Advent to the soul. In light of the expectation of the second-coming of the Christ we spend time examining our own lives. Our priorities need to come under the microscope. The penitent nature of Advent seeks to clash against the narcotic of materialism that is swirling outside the doors of the churches. In that sense Advent is the perfect antidote to getting caught up in the never-ending sales and purchasing frenzy that happens during this season. Providing times of confession as part of the Advent season might be a great way to emphasize the discomfort of this time in the Christian calendar.
Slowing Down
Advent invites us to slow down. As the pregnancy presses on toward the due date, the pregnant woman slows down her pace as the baby is growing inside her. Advent provides a time when we slow down, give ourselves time to rest and catch our breath. To that end Advent can be a great time when the congregation is allowed to worship in silent meditation. Congregants can be encouraged to spend time thinking about the promise of Christ's return. The instant gratification is set aside by realizing that we are in a period of waiting for the true advent of our Messiah. As such it is tempting to jump straight into singing all the Christmas songs as soon as the calendar hits December. Let those songs be the songs of the malls and radio stations. Delaying the gratification of singing the songs of Christ's birth until the Feast of Christmas is a great way to teach the Church the value of waiting.Like communion, baptism, marriage, and other sacred acts of the Church, the celebration of Advent is one that invites us to remember a past grace, celebrate a present reality, and anticipate a future hope. It is a season rich for the further formation of people as followers of Jesus. May you wait with hope and joy for the coming of our Lord is coming.