Here in West Park, we have been longing for Advent. At its origin Advent was 40 days long, like Lent, beginning on November 12. By the 13th century, however, the four-week Advent had become the norm in the West. Over time the longer Advent became forgotten. However, with the Revised Common Lectionary, the last three weeks of "ordinary time" do introduce the theme of ending and return. There is a small but growing movement to restore this longer Advent. We've decided to join.
One of the virtues of this shift is that we get a few weeks before the full cultural insanity of Christmas takes over. Advent now is not only shorter than its origin; its meaning and power are eclipsed by the larger social context in which many of us live. Beginning Advent early lets us begin to reflect and anticipate, and the longer season deepens our awareness of what is to come.
Of course, this is all hypothetical for us, as we begin this experiment, but it's our hope - an Advent word! And don't we need that now?
So what does this mean? We began our liturgical new year last Sunday. We have begun using our office for Advent at Matins and Vespers, with appropriate antiphons and hymns and prayers. We haven't begun to light candles yet; we just got started! We are changing the altar colors. We are pondering what other changes we might make to mark this time: not as penitential as Lent, but meaningful.
If you are curious about this shift and how to do it, here's a good place to start:
http://www.theadventproject.org
It's never too early to pray: Come, Lord Jesus.
