The Season of Advent is upon us!

Advent comes every year – so, what's new about Advent?

In spite of commercial culture focused on Christmas, usually about what to buy, buy, buy, and get, get, get, the season is actually called Advent, from the Latin word “adventus,” which means “coming.” Advent as a separate season was actually not celebrated until at least until the time of Pope Gregory the Great (590-604) and even then it was more of a penitential season, like Lent, than the way it is celebrated today.

The Scripture readings vary only a little from year to year, depending on the Gospel that is the focus of the liturgical calendar for the coming year. The first Sunday in Advent usually has an apocalyptic focus, followed by readings that prepare us for the coming of the Christ Child. Hispanic cultures traditionally have daily readings around a pesebe, a huge layout of the trip of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, with music and food. Germany brought us not only the Christmas tree but the Advent wreath, full of living greens and in a circle to symbolize the love of God for us all. In medieval France, children torched huge piles of straw to drive out vermin – "Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella" reflects that tradition.

In our jaundiced and cynical age, we may not think much is new about Advent; after all, we do the same thing year after year. But Advent is about hope, certainly something new in our day. Advent is about peace, something that would be new in our war weary world. And what about love and joy? Are they not new every single day for each of us as we learn to share and love each other?

At the end of the day, what is really new about Advent is the possibility that we may be able to have hope, give peace, share joy, and love deeply. All those feelings and actions are new each day we enter into relationship with each other as children of God. Let’s look at this Advent as a new opening to be truly open to the world around us, to the Spirit of God within us, and, in that way, Advent will be new for us all.

ADVENT ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

Community Outreach Group Board Meeting December 7 at 7 PM: The COG, as it is known, is responsible for emergency assistance, running the Calico Cat Resale Shop, and helping needy families at special times of the year.

Decorating the church and singing special music. Join us on December 11 to decorate a tree (alas! Not real because of fire codes).

Caroling and singing happy birthday to one of our members turning 102 on December 19 – and she can tell you stories about World War II and Europe after the war that will astound you, and she will also share her wit and wisdom with you.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 5:30 PM. Why did we pick 5:30? Because it allows you to finish shopping before services, and then go home and have supper and spend Christmas Eve with your family. Besides, it's already dark at that time. We will have a marvelous choir with some of the finest young voices in the area who have been studying all year with Diane Fox, a voice teacher who has performed across the country in many operatic roles.

MISSION IS TO THE CHURCH AS A FIRE IS TO BURNING

Help the Calico Cat Thrift Shop, a store for the community operated by the Community Outreach Group that sells gently used items to persons who cannot afford even discount prices. It also has a food pantry. If you have a few hours during the week, the Calico Cat could use your help. Call (732) 671-0550 if you would like to help in this important ministry.

Shop FAIR TRADE for Christmas!

If you haven't finished your shopping – who has? – go to a Fair Trade store like Ten Thousand Villages in Red Bank. Located at 69 Broad Street (close to the intersection of Monmouth Street). Beautiful things and the artisans get the money!

You can also find Fair Trade on the web at www.serrv.org and your money does a world of good.

REMEMBER THE TRUE MEANING OF THE SEASON: CARING AND GIVING!

AND HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS!