Roy’s Ramblings…

This coming Sunday is the first Sunday in Advent. Advent is a season of four weeks including four Sundays preceding Christmas. The word Advent derives from the Latin adventus, which means “coming.” The season proclaims the comings of the Christ—whose birth we prepare to celebrate once again, who comes continually in Word and Spirit, and whose return in final victory we anticipate. Each year Advent calls the community of faith to prepare for these comings; historically, the season was marked by fasts, long periods of prayer, and special attire for preparation. Each Sunday of Advent has its distinctive theme: the first Sunday is the Sunday of Hope, the second is Peace, the third is Joy and the fourth is Love. Each Sunday we also light a candle in the Advent Wreath to represent these themes.

So as we prepare for Christmas with all of our baking, and festive decking of halls; as we are out shopping for that perfect gift for that nephew or niece that we only see once per year; as we are planning menus and trying to figure out how to actually wrap a basketball … er … OK only me – try to remember to include some historical liturgy into the season. Pray for folks: pray for those you will be visiting, gifting, feeding. Light a candle: in remembrance, in honor, to give yourself centering and peace. Remember to have some fun and find a Joyful center in yourself and others. And lastly do all things with Love as the intent. Love your family, Love your neighbors – and especially Love yourself.

Blessings My Friends – And may you truly enjoy the Season!! Pastor Roy