The Arrival 2009
I have never observed the Advent season. My church culture instilled in me an aversion to anything liturgical or formal. My own personality also creates an affinity for a solitary spirituality. But I think I'm getting over these. Since I have come to see and appreciate the fact that the Bible is one Big Story (rather than a catalogue of promises or a compendium of doctrines and moral teachings), I have learned to appreciate the desire of my liturgical brethren to capture the spirit of the Story in their Calendar and readings.
I am particularly drawn to Advent this year, because it allows us to submerse ourselves in a Story that is more compelling than the ones being promoted through every form of media at this time of the year. It allows me to connect, through prayer and praxis (activity), with a world-wide community that at least claims to hold that Story as true and formative. Finally, it allow me to do something together with the local community of believers that I have come to know and love so much. I look forward to the interaction.
I am using the word Arrival, rather than Advent. Maybe it will lower the resistance of those suspicious of anything liturgical. Besides, that's what advent means.
I have never observed the Advent season. My church culture instilled in me an aversion to anything liturgical or formal. My own personality also creates an affinity for a solitary spirituality. But I think I'm getting over these. Since I have come to see and appreciate the fact that the Bible is one Big Story (rather than a catalogue of promises or a compendium of doctrines and moral teachings), I have learned to appreciate the desire of my liturgical brethren to capture the spirit of the Story in their Calendar and readings.
I am particularly drawn to Advent this year, because it allows us to submerse ourselves in a Story that is more compelling than the ones being promoted through every form of media at this time of the year. It allows me to connect, through prayer and praxis (activity), with a world-wide community that at least claims to hold that Story as true and formative. Finally, it allow me to do something together with the local community of believers that I have come to know and love so much. I look forward to the interaction.
I am using the word Arrival, rather than Advent. Maybe it will lower the resistance of those suspicious of anything liturgical. Besides, that's what advent means.
posted by grateful talmid | 6:15 AM
1 Comments:
I like this.
I remember in college/seminary when I was introduced to the Liturgical calendar - I felt like I had been missing out on something. It gives such a logical flow to the life and ministry of Jesus, it kind of ropes us into the story. I've submerged myself deeper into the Christian calendar, and I like the way it feels. Part of the reason why I find myself in the Lutheran world at this particular part of my journey...
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