Advent arrives
“Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord thy power, and come; that we may be found worthy to be rescued by thy protection from the threatening dangers of our sins, and to be set free by thy deliverance.” (Collect for the First Sunday in Advent)
The Season of Advent begins this Sunday, November 28, and the collect above so beautifully voices the disposition of the Church as it enters Advent and looks ahead to Christmas—the desire for the salvation of God to set the creation free from sin and death that the world might be filled with the knowledge of the glory of God.
We’ll mark the solemn nature of Advent with several changes and additions to weekly services of worship:
You’ll notice that the liturgical color appropriate to Advent, rather than the green of the Season after Pentecost, is purple, a color closely associated with seasons of preparation, penitence, and fasting.
Until Christmas neither the Gloria in Excelsis nor the word “Alleluia” appears in any liturgy.
Services of Holy Eucharist on each of the four Sundays in Advent begin with the lighting of an Advent wreath adorned with candles, a tangible sign of the dawning light of the Nativity of the Christ-child.
With the start of the new liturgical year, you’ll notice as well that Sunday gospel readings will emphasize the Gospel of St. Luke, rather than our focus last year on the Gospel of St. Mark.
May every blessing attend you and yours in Advent and throughout the new liturgical year. Stay tuned to the Bell & Tower for additional information about special opportunities for prayer, fellowship, and service.
—Fr Peter Helman, Parochial Vicar