ADVENT SEASONS 2018 Let's celebrate!


Advent marks the beginning of the church year. It begins with the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day. In 2006, Christmas falls on a Monday, and Christmas Eve on Sunday night. Thus, in 2006 Advent begins Sunday, December 3, and ends the morning of Sunday, December 24 three weeks plus a portion of an additional day. If Christmas comes on a Sunday, Advent will begin on November 27 and last four full weeks.
What. Advent comes from the Latin word, adventus, meaning "coming." It is a season to prepare for the coming of Christ in various meanings: the promised coming of the Messiah to the Jews, the coming of Jesus being born in Bethlehem, the promised return of the risen Christ in final victory, and the continual coming of Christ into the lives and hearts of believers.
Liturgical Context. Advent, which marks the beginning of the liturgical year, is part of the cycle of seasons that includes Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, all related in some fashion to the coming of Jesus. That cycle is followed by Lent, Holy Week, Easter, and the long Pentecost season.
Advent is a season rich in tradition, symbolism, art, music, and liturgical practice. It has its own unique themes as well as those that point the way to Christmas. And yet, we annually confront the pressures and questions of "Why can't we put up the Christmas tree in the sanctuary on the first Sunday of Advent?" and "Why can't we sing Christmas carols in early December?" The answer, of course, is that doing so allows Christmas to intrude. It allows the themes, practices, spirituality, history, traditions, symbols, art, and music of one season to displace those of another. We lose the richness and the benefit of experiencing the promise, longing, hope, and expectation of Advent.
To practicing christians & fellow Christ believers..Enjoy the celebration!



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