God has promised not to leave us abandoned in a world where there is often cruelty, war, and natural disasters. The first reading from the Prophet Jeremiah reminds us that God will raise up a “just shoot” from the lineage of David, the great King and unifier of Israel, who will redeem God’s people. In the gospel reading St. Luke reminds us again that we will face many trials in life, but that we must not become discouraged. Rather, we should remain vigilant, waiting for the Day of the Lord’s coming. Perhaps St. Paul says it best in the second reading where he tells us how we should live in the meantime: to abound in love for one another and encourage each other until He comes again.
Advent is the start of the new liturgical year. It is a time of anticipation and preparation for the summation of all things in Christ. It is meant to remind us that all things in this world will pass and that we believe in the “life of the world to come,” as we proclaim in the Creed. The symbols of this season are the color purple – a reminder of the royalty of the Christ who will come, and candles representing the growing and gathering of the light amid the darkness of this time of year. Additionally, the gathering of the light symbolizes the coming of Christ who is the “light of the world.”
Call to action: This is a wonderful time to encourage families to have their own Advent wreaths at home (maybe have an Advent Wreath workshop in the parish hall?), or a Jesse Tree calendar. It provides an opportunity for the family to pray together at home and to teach our children about our faith and traditions. As we prepare for Christmas in a few weeks it’s also time to be sure that we are ready to welcome visitors, college students returning home for their winter break, and other relatives and friends. Have your GC pew engagement cards ready in your pews with your GC Smart Textphone number and QR code printed. Invite them to connect with you, and be sure to have a “thank you” email prepared and ready to go! You can have this all set up in your GC Comms Portal in 15 minutes!
Pastoral Action Points
- Update your pew engagement cards! GC has free templates you can use available in the GC Comms Portal.
- Ask your people now to consider their Christmas gift to the parish. “Every dollar does everything” in your parish and ministry. Our joy in life is not from our “having,” but from our giving.
- If you missed the Christmas and End of Year Giving Webinar you can still watch it here.
Advent Advent traditions parish community Pastoral Reflection for Advent
Last modified: December 10, 2024
