“The mercy of God does not depend on human virtue for its fulfillment.” -Fleming Rutledge, Advent: The Once and Future Coming of Christ

It’s Advent, and we are beginning a new year.  

Christians pattern their routines after the life of Jesus: Advent, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, and Ordinary Time.

 Each church season has unique themes that center on the gospel of Jesus and guide our faith journey. Early in the nineteenth century, German Protestants began indicating the days of Advent (from Latin adventus, “coming,” celebrating Jesus’ first coming and awaiting his second coming)  by burning a candle or marking walls or doors with a line of chalk each day. Most modern Advent calendars begin on December 1 and end on December 24th. These whimsical calendars might include paper doors or wooden drawers that open to reveal an image, Bible verse, or a piece of chocolate. The intentional working of our years, months, and days are to be centered around God. Is not that the goal of the body of Christ? 

 Even the secular world “MARK-ets” Advent to promote its products. A friend sent me this eye-popping advertisement: You can pay $295 for a 24-day calendar of beauty products. She suggested it gave new meaning to the beauty of the season. I ponder the theology of hope, peace, joy, and love in glowing skin.

There is beauty in celebrating Jesus’ coming-past and future. A calendar, candles, songs, chalk marks and sharing Advent with friends across the miles. Be devoted to His Beauty. No need to spend $295. 🌟

Prayer

One thing I ask from the Lord,

    this only do I seek:

that I may dwell in the house of the Lord

    all the days of my life…

…to gaze on the beauty of the Lord.

I will wait for the Lord;

    I will be strong and take heart.

    (from Psalm 27)