Our second Sunday of Advent...

Slushy snow slowed our entrance into the church parking lot as we arrived at Balgonie Baptist.  We carefully picked our way through puddles and ice to the front door.  Bill held the door open - our faithful usher who greeted us with a smile and handed us a bulletin.

We greeted our brothers and sisters in Christ with hugs and handshakes.  It had been over a month since we had been at our own church as our ministry takes us away from home most weekends.  The lovely greenery, wreaths and Nativity scene adorned the foyer and the sanctuary, stirring the familiar festive feelings of the season.  Ray, our regular pianist, softly played Christmas carols as the worshipers visited and began to take their seats.

Dave started with announcements and prayer, in the normal Sunday order of service.  Val and her granddaughter led in a couple worship songs. The "other Dave" led us in reading Scripture and praying for the congregation.  And then the Kramer family, mom, dad and four children came forward.  As mom and the three oldest children read the Advent scriptures, the youngest girl lit the two candles of the Advent wreath (with her dad's help!).  

Some people have grown up in churches where the tradition of Advent is expected.  Each year, the themes of Joy, Love, Peace and Hope, each represented by candles, are celebrated.  They point the way to the final candle, the Christ Candle, that is to be lit on Christmas Eve.  This is all meant to prepare our hearts and build anticipation of the first coming or advent of Jesus, our Saviour.  I've always loved and treasured this tradition.

I realize that for some, this seems very formal and liturgical.  It may remind some of their religious past that didn't hold much meaning for them personally.  They saw the form of religion but missed the relationship with God Himself!  When we were church-planting in inner city Regina, we began the tradition of Advent candles and it became quite special to many folks.  One year we were busy and hadn't prepared for this practice as December approached.  One of our church attenders asked, "Aren't we going to do the candle-thing this year?"  They looked genuinely disappointed.  I responded, "I didn't think anyone would really miss it if we didn't..." To which the person looked surprised and said, "But, it's tradition!"  

Whether you celebrate Advent, or not, isn't the issue.  My challenge to you is:  what are you doing to prepare for Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God?