Rector's Rambling - 12/2/2012 - Be prepared!

Advent and Lent share some similarities, both being penitential, “purple” seasons.  But they have differences as well.

Both seasons are about preparation.  In Lent we are preparing for the death and resurrection of Jesus by a season of fasting, penance, and examination and confession of our sinfulness.  Although this is a part of our spiritual life year round, it is magnified in Lent as we prepare to celebrate Easter.

In Advent the preparation is not only for the coming of the celebration of the birth of Jesus, but also His return in glorious majesty to judge the quick and the dead.  The penitential aspect is not just a self-denial (a fast) before the feast, but a realization that with Jesus’ return happening at any time He chooses, we need to be in a state of repentance at all times!  We need to learn to be prepared today, and perhaps there is no better time to be conscious of that than during the season of secular consumerism leading up to the Holy Day.

Like Lent, Advent is a good time to take on a few extra disciplines, like the lighting of the Advent wreath at home and taking opportunities for charitable work.  Praying the Daily Office at home (Morning and/or Evening Prayer) is a good discipline any time of the year!  And, of course, examining the state of one’s soul, and making a good confession of sin, is always in season.

Let us be prepared…  He is coming!