Courtesy of Songbird at
RevGalBlog: “Although it comes as late as it can this year, Advent is upon us. Some of us grew up observing it, while to others (including this childhood Baptist) it was even more foreign than Lent! Over the past twenty years, I have grown to love Advent as a season of preparation, although as a pastor I find it harder to practice it at home than at church, even when the church might prefer I make it the other way 'round. Here are five questions about Advent for this first of December:”
1. Do you observe Advent in your church? On and off.
2. How about at home? I fondly remember my mom putting out an advent wreath most years. I have tried to start the same tradition in our home numerous times, but somehow it always gets sidelined.
3. Do you have a favorite Advent text or hymn? I am particularly fond of Jeremiah, so his 33:14-16 is a favorite. I resonate with the sense of longing and waiting and the rest in the promise of deliverance.
4. Why is one of the candles in the Advent wreath pink? (You may tell the truth, but I'll like your answer better if it's funny.) There is a little known legend that explains the true reason for this symbolic candle. Few may know that long ago the advent wreath candles were all a deep, deep burgundy color. Once, however, an ancient saint traversed the world, landing one late November in the Deep South of what was to become the United States. The land was hot, one which was contrary to the seasonal coolness to which he was accustomed, but he faithfully put up his advent wreath and attended to it as was tradition. One day, however, he noticed that the heat and sun of that Southern land had sapped not only his energy and enthusiasm for the season but also the color from his candles as well. To this day, we remember that perservering saint and his advent of moist warmth in that Southern land by placing a pink candle in the wreath. Or maybe I’m just projecting?
5. What's the funniest/kitschiest Advent calendar you've ever seen? How about this one. Sigh.
(Image: advent candles by adcreech at flickr;
some rights reserved)
Courtesy of Songbird at RevGalBlog: “Although it comes as late as it can this year, Advent is upon us. Some of us grew up observing it, while to others (including this childhood Baptist) it was even more foreign than Lent! Over the past twenty years, I have grown to love Advent as a season of preparation, although as a pastor I find it harder to practice it at home than at church, even when the church might prefer I make it the other way 'round. Here are five questions about Advent for this first of December:”