The sixth lesson which is taken from the Gospel of St. The first five lessons are passages from the Hebrew Testament prophets which look forward to the Day of the Lord the day when God will finally establish God’s purpose, reject all that is contrary to it and affirm whatever belongs to it. The worshiper will notice at once that the format of this service of worship consists of God’s revelation to us of God’s purpose (the eight scriptural lessons), followed immediately by our response to God’s word (the musical portions of this service – our offering of praise back to God). Much in the same manner that Christmas urges us to consider the second coming of Christ (the Parousia), so Advent urges us to prepare for the Kingdom of God in the Church Triumphant. The Christian individual and the Christian Church are future-oriented, anticipating the fulfillment of all things in Christ. John the Baptist’s cry, “Prepare the way of the Lord,” sets the precedent. Advent begins on the Sunday nearest November 30th and lasts four Sundays.Īdvent should not be so much a time of imitating the waiting of ancient Israel as it should be a time of looking toward our own future.indeed the focus of the season is centered on the future. Early observances of this festival are recorded prior to the seventh century, and through the ensuing ages it has evolved into the form familiar to us today. The word “Advent” is a derivation of the Latin word, “advenio,” meaning coming or arrival. This service is not intended to celebrate Christmas but to help each of us prepare ourselves for, and expect the coming of Christ.
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