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My husband and I were in the Episcopal Church for several years when we first married and it celebrates "church seasons" as I assume Catholics and maybe Eastern Orthodox do (and maybe other liturgical churches such as Lutheran.) In the Episcopal Church we did have an advent wreath and Christmas Carols were not sung until Christmas Day (or midnight mass on Christmas Eve.) But I was reading something about Advent the other day (which I don't necessarily advocate observing in this fashion) but I thought it was interesting. Apparently, the Advent season was at one time considered to be a season of contemplative reflection about the coming of Christ. It was a somber season even possibly marked by fasting. Then Christmas Day began the "festival" aspect of Christmas... which continued through the 12 days of Christmas (Jan. 6th-Epiphany)
Just wondering if anyone actually observes Advent in this way anymore? I was totally unfamiliar with this concept other than of course, the Advent wreath as I mentioned.
I would guess that it would vary from church to church, but the Episcopal church that we attend does emphasize the Advent season as a time for reflection and expectation of the beginning of his reign on earth. The Christmas Eve Services are always well attended. We have two. One at 5:00pm for the families with small children and those that don't like to drive after dark. Then at 10:00pm we will have the special music, etc. for the rest of the folk.
I was raised in a Pentecostal church and still attend one. My sister, however, has decided to attend her husband's church which is Episcopalian. (She has been a member of this church for quite a few years now.) She leads their choir and found out the hard way that she was not allowed to choose songs to be sung during the Advent season that contain the word "Alleluia". (oops!) I guess the use of this word is not somber enough for the season.
"Alleluia" is a form of a celebration cry/remark/whatever. During the Advent period, it is important to remember that the Birth has not yet happened. We are preparing for it. Afterwards, we will celebrate! It's not a matter of being somber, as the Lenten Season is, it's simply a matter of the time is just not right. The Joy comes later. Then the Alleluias ring out.
We celebrate Advent. It's one of my favorite seasons. And I really wish we'd get back to celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas so we could spread out our family and social celebrations over two weeks instead of trying to do it all in 24 hours!
I think that there is a place for the headlong rush in December to get everything done, though. Decorating, shopping, parties, events, etc... The feeling of near-panic that things aren't going to be ready for Christmas morning should be the same feeling that we get when we wonder if we're ready for His coming.
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