A different approach to the Season of Advent

Tomorrow our churches – and a few others – will begin its observance of Advent.  “Wait,” you say.  “Advent?  On the second Sunday in November?  What did I miss?”

It is true that most churches and denominations count Advent as beginning on the fourth Sunday prior to Christmas day.  So, the season traditionally commences on the Sunday falling between November 27 and December 3.  The season can be 22 to 28 days in length.

So, why would our churches begin Advent a full three weeks early?  Some of the rationale involves an accommodation of popular culture.  That’s not the most high-road support for a liturgical decision to be sure.  But that is our starting point. 

Truth be known, the retail stores have been stocking “Christmas items” since the beginning of the school term.  With Halloween over, the sellers will now go into full Christmas mode. 

There are radio stations that are already playing 24/7 Christmas music.  People who do not have a rich liturgical tradition don’t even have a grasp of “Advent” at all.  For them, the weather gets cold and it is the “Christmas season.”

These folks want to sing Christmas Carols.  They want to hear the sounds and smell the smells.  People who are still inclined to send Christmas cards are already compiling their lists.  For the culture it IS – or soon will be – “Christmas.”

Now, the church can take a hard line and say, “It is Advent.  Or will be in another few weeks.  Advent will begin on December 1 (this year) and we will sing Advent hymns and Advent hymns only until Christmas Eve.”  The liturgical proponents can make a compelling case for insisting that Advent is a meaningful season that can stand on its own.  You can’t say that such a position is wrong.

But on the other hand, we must admit that this is not where people are.  If the task of the church is to meet people at their point of need, the observance of a traditional Advent actually places a barrier between the church and a lot of its members.  That is not a good place to be.

So, we are going to start tomorrow.  I hope that a full season that encompasses a variety of practices can make this glorious time of year a significant time for us all.