By Pageantmaster:
I admit while putting a listing of Advent links together to asking: ”˜What is the point of Advent?’ How can I put together links to Advent resources unless I am clear about what the purpose of Advent is?
I mean I know that it is a time to look forward to the birth of Christ, and also to the second coming at the end of time, when all things are made new and we are restored to the fullness of life with God as it was before the Fall.
Is it another penitential season perhaps with fasting like Lent? Well many people seem to think so. The colours of Advent candles reflect the liturgical colours of Lent including the change to pink on one Sunday. The Orthodox Church regards Advent as a season of fasting before Christmas, but the Roman Catholic Church does not specifically list Advent as a season of penitence as it does Lent. Some of the more reformed do not seem to bother much with it. So what is it?
Looking forward to Christmas, if on the one hand we are just to rehearse the Christmas Story, is that not just bringing the point of the Christmas season forward into Advent, a story which is already adequately covered in Christmas services such as Nine Lessons and Carols? How is Advent different from Christmas? Is it worth observing as a distinct season?
Lovely, Pageantmaster. A blessed Advent to you, and may both of our nations receive Christ once again.
Amen Katherine, that would be wonderful. May this be a time of blessing, renewal and encouragement for you too.