What is it for you?

I’m writing this the Saturday before the 2nd Sunday of Advent because my life is being slowed down next week with eye surgery. A problem will be corrected, yet the viewing of the week will be a blur. The blur is a little like the evolving of a celebration for the long awaited coming of the child Jesus. I did some very casual research and how the day is marked has had components added and taken away and, by the early Puritans, almost totally ignored. I’m just throwing out some ideas and you make what works for you to affirm, inspire, or remind.

First, I am not sure that those who longed and waited for the coming of God to step into history really thought of His coming as a baby in spite of Isaiah and those defining names. Even when a mature Jesus preached and healed around Nazareth he was just a local boy, Mark 6:3 “Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary?” After crucifiction and resurrection, anticipation was for the 2nd coming. Another chance to get it right.

Secular and sacred began blending over the years. My most interesting enlightenment was that from Babylonian times until 1752, various countries began a new year on the spring equinox, March 25. Annunciation or Lady Day was March 25 in the church. After that it made sense for Christmas to be December 25. Advent used to run to Epiphany or the coming of the Wise Men with Jesus’s baptism leading into Lent. Changes came in the form of trees and gifts and posadas in the Latin countries. The most liturgical moment of my childhood was attending Christmas Eve at the Episcopal church which involved a processional with candles! I lived without Advent until my mid-thirties. My daddy carved a straight wooden piece with four holes as a candle holder for our children. Was a circle too difficult? The choices still vary with colors of the candles and the name and order designating each Sunday. This night I’m writing, ads are proclaiming Only 21 Days until Christmas. What have you chosen to lead you in hope, joy, love, peace to that day when the moment of waiting turns to arrival.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:6 – 7