Reading Red Letters » advent

31 Days of Wishes: Wish #24

Lindsey — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 02:57:02 +0000

I pray that we open our hearts to the true reason for the Christmas holiday, and that we remember what it is that we have been anticipating all throughout advent – not Christmas presents or even delicious food with the families we love, but the coming of our Savior.

Collect for the Third Sunday of Advent

Lindsey — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 01:02:10 +0000

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

A collect is a short liturgical prayer, variable according to the day, the season of the church year, and the occasion. Collects for each Sunday are assigned according to the church year and are all listed in the Book of Common Prayer.

31 Days of Wishes: Wish #6

Lindsey — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 01:52:32 +0000

Today is the beginning of week 2 of Advent . . . and I’m already behind in my Advent devotional (Love Came Down: Anglican Readings for Advent and Christmas). I used to be VERY good about spending some time (even if it was only 10 minutes) every day either reading the Bible, reading a devotional, etc. Once I got to college, I fell out of this habit and I really want to get back into it. I thought that I would do that with this book at the start of the church year, but I have been failing miserably so far. I pray that I can get into this habit and keep it – my spiritual life will be so much stronger if I can!

Collect for the Second Sunday of Advent

Lindsey — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 15:00:01 +0000

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Learning to Advent

Lindsey — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:48:42 +0000

Interesting new series at The Resurgence called Learning to Advent. Great for those just starting with Advent or wanting a refresher!

Collect for the First Sunday of Advent

Lindsey — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 15:00:40 +0000

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
for ever. Amen.

Preparing for Advent

Lindsey — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 20:01:40 +0000

My favorite time of the year is Christmas, and as I learn more about the church year, I realize that Advent is my favorite church season. From Wikipedia:

Advent (from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming”) is a season of the Christian church, the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus; in other words, the period immediately before Christmas.

Since Advent begins tomorrow, I’m preparing for it this weekend. Some of my favorite Advent activities include:

Making an Advent wreath and lighting it throughout the season (we’re doing this tomorrow after the church service).
Listening to Christmas music from the church (current favorite: Christmas with the Tallis Scholars)
Watching the old Disney cartoon, The Small One. I watched this as a child, and now as an adult it makes me cry!

This year I am also going to make an effort to work through an Advent specific devotional. I’ve done this in the past, but I’d love to get back into the habit. I’ve chosen Love Came Down: Anglican Readings for Advent and Christmas for this year’s readings! What are some Advent traditions that you honor every year?

For more Advent celebrations, check out the Third Annual Advent Carnival!