It's Advent

The other thing I noticed when I walked into church this morning was the presence of the Advent wreaths. I love Advent! There's something about that season of the church year. It goes back to when I was a little girl and Advent meant that Christmas was coming! It meant the choir was practicing for Christmas Eve and every week we sang an extra verse of "O Come O Come Emanuel" until finally on the last Sunday we sang all 4 verses and all 4 candles were lit. Then, on Christmas Eve, the 4 candles were lit again and the one in the middle was too.

Lessons during Advent focus on Christ's return when He'll take us with him and there will be a new heaven and a new earth. We'll be reunited with our loved ones who are already with Him. Advent isn't just about the impending arrival of Christmas...it's about the impending arrival of Christ...His return to claim His own.

When I pray Matins now, I will be reading the antiphons and responsory for Advent from the Treasury of Daily Prayer. Here is a sample:

Rejoice greatly, O Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to You. (Liturgical text drawn from Zechariah 9:9)

Behold, the Lord shall come and all His saints with Him; and in that day the light shall be great. Alleluia! (Liturgical text)

L: Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch. (Jeremiah 23:5)

C: This is the name by which He will be called: The Lord Is Our Righteousness. (Jeremiah 23:6)

L: In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. (Jeremiah 23:6)

C: This is the name by which He will be called: The Lord Is Our Righteousness.

L: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

C: This is the name by which He will be called: The Lord Is Our Righteousness.

Have a blessed Advent!