A distinction of our Anglican tradition is the way we are formed by Holy Scripture, particularly as it is mediated to us by the Book of Common Prayer and the cycles and seasons of the liturgical year. This pattern of reading the Word of God day after day, week after week, season after season, year after year, has the profound ability to form us  as people of faith. Within this pattern, we begin each and every church year with the season of Advent, which begins this year on Sunday, December 1st.

Advent has long been important to Anglicans, maybe even more so than other churches which emerged from the Protestant Reformation of the 16th Century. That’s because most other Protestant denominations abandoned the liturgical calendar altogether, except for Christmas and Easter. Even many Roman Catholic churches do not pay as much attention to Advent as one might expect, given its ancient roots. As for those who come to Anglicanism from evangelical or pentecostal traditions, they may have almost no experience with this season.

So, what is Advent? It literally means arrival or coming. Thomas Aquinas offers a helpful description in the Prologue to his commentary on Isaiah. He says there are three dimensions to the season: (1) the coming of the Son of God en carne: that is, in the flesh — historically. (2) His coming in mente: that is, in our souls — now in the present by grace. (3) And ad judicium: that is, at the judgment — at the end of history when he comes in judgment. Therefore, Advent invites us to remember the coming of the Son of God as the Infant of Bethlehem. It invites us to expect presently that the Son of God, as risen and ascended Lord, will come to us now by grace. It invites us to wait and watch for the future coming of the Son of God in all his glory as Judge.

Regardless of where you were before coming to Holy Trinity, we hope you will discover what we have come to believe — the season of Advent is formative. When our hurried, stressed, and noisy world gets even moreso, Advent arrives with its summons to slow down, be quiet. Take time to remember, expect presently and to wait and watch. This is what it means to keep Advent.

Each entry assumes an Advent wreath is available for lighting. A reading from Holy Scripture is provided, followed by a time to pray for various needs, ending with The Lord’s Prayer. A quotation or piece of poetry is offered to be used as you see fit — to reflect on Advent themes, to engage with the lessons, to inform your prayers, or to foster a good chat with a friend or family.

If you are looking to learn more about the season of Advent, we commend to you  Advent: The Season of Hope by Tish Harrison Warren.

Remember. Expect presently. Wait and watch. May we do these things together.

Holy Trinity Staff