Amid the seemingly endless seasonal details that demand Christian time and attention—Christmas parties, travel, gifts, decorating, and more—the spiritual preparations for celebrating the birth of Jesus can get lost.
Even for the most devout, the four weeks of Advent — which began this year on Sunday, November 27 — often focus less on anticipating the coming Messiah on Christmas Day and more on celebrating Santa Claus and decorating. secular of the season.
All about the liturgy
In the Catholic Church, Advent is a liturgical season similar in tone and content to Lent, says John Prust, director of the Office of Family Life and Spirituality for the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego.
“Advent, like Lent, is a personal journey, an opportunity for us to look inward and prepare for Christ as the baby Jesus to come into the world,” says Prust. “We have the opportunity to be introspective so that when Christmas day comes, we are prepared.”
For Catholics, the 12 days of Christmas begin on Christmas Day and run through Epiphany on January 6, when the three wise men are said to have followed the star to Jesus’ manger. Each Christmas tradition has its symbolism, he adds.
“We often celebrate Christmas starting in November, right after Black Friday, but our traditions remind us that Christmas hasn’t really arrived yet.”
The church’s liturgical calendar reflects the journey of life, says Prust.
“Although there is a tremendous focus on the celebration, Christmas has many social justice themes associated with the child being born in a manger, as helpless as can be. The nature of Christ’s coming into the world emphasizes how we are called to serve those in similar circumstances.”
Advent calendars are used in many Catholic homes to help families remember that the four weeks leading up to Christmas are a time for spiritual reflection and preparation. Each week and each candle has a theme: The first candle symbolizes hope; the second candle represents faith; the third candle, in pink, symbolizes joy; and the fourth candle represents peace.
“Advent reminds us what Christmas is all about,” says Prust. “We can get carried away with commercialism, or we can intentionally prepare our hearts for Jesus’ birthday.”
one month celebration
“We take a biblical approach to Advent and celebrate it throughout the entire month of December, preaching specifically through the story of the birth of Jesus and all the events leading up to it,” says All Peoples Church worship pastor , Stephen Gulley. “The messages and songs at our Sunday services will reflect the beauty and gift of Jesus at Christmas.”
Gulley says the church’s tree-lighting event on December 7 outside the church building will kick off the holiday season for its members. On December 11, in the outer tent of the church, a non-traditional Christmas show will take place with ballet, tap and hip-hop dancing, contemporary Christian music, poetry and many other creative expressions.
“Advent itself is not something we do as a church,” he says. “We use the inspirational message about God’s goodness in giving us his son.”
The month of December finds the church changing the colors on campus to reflect the season, and ministers preparing each service to ensure that the arch of Jesus’ birth is included.
“The theme this year is experiencing the hope of Christmas, and for us it starts with what we want to practice in setting the table for the season,” Gulley adds, noting that the church operates a food distribution ministry and emphasizes service to the less fortunate. “Jesus was poor and a refugee when he was born.”
faith as foundation
Barrabas Road Church, on Ronson Road, intentionally holds only one service each Sunday, says senior pastor Matt Smith, so that the congregation can look at each other and see the body of Christ.
And while the church doesn’t celebrate the Advent season, “during the month of December, every sermon begins and ends with reference to the incarnation,” Smith explains. “It’s always relevant, wherever you are in the Bible.” Members will culminate their Christmas celebration at the service on December 25.
The Christmas season is an important time to remember Christians who embody the faith, he adds. “Christmas is a reminder that every year, even when things get dark, God is always at work in the background. He brought his son at the perfect time and in the perfect way.”
events
This year, the Office for Evangelization and Catechetical Ministry of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego offers a Bilingual Advent Prayer Night at 6:30 pm on December 1 at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Carlsbad, with a meditation, music, and reception hosted by Sister Rose Marie Tulacz. Known as the nun with a Nikon, Sister Tulacz is a member of the Sisters of Notre Dame and founder of Notre Dame Creations, a ministry of liturgical photography and art and spirituality. 15 dollars. (858) 490-8232. sdcatholic.org/event/bilingual-advent-evening-of-prayer/
All Peoples Church will kick off the holiday season with a tree lighting the December 7 at 6:30 p.m. outside the church building at 5577 University Ave. At all three Sunday services of the December 11, the Christmas show by All Peoples will offer music, dance, theater and comedy in a family-friendly variety format. allpeoples.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1488603
For Christians of all faiths, Advent is a time of preparation.