Hasten The Day: Advent 2023

Advent means "coming" from the Latin word adventus. Christ came once and has promised to return at some future date. From the Church's perspective, the Christian calendar begins afresh with the first Sunday of Advent. It's a natural place to begin the year because the coming of Christ is in focus, both his imminent second coming and his previous first coming at Christmas many years ago. Advent is a penitential season, inviting us to reassess our spirituality. Are we connected with the Lord and bearing fruit or are we being choked by the cares and concerns of the world? This year, the calendar lands Christmas Eve on the 4th Sunday of Advent, so we will only have three dedicated Advent sermons. (There will not be services on the morning of Christmas Eve). Each year at Advent, we return to the lectionary texts. This year we will learn about Jesus sustaining us while we wait for his return. We will be reminded of God’s patience because he wants everyone to come to the saving faith that whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. Please take time in this busy season of holiday celebrations to turn your attention to the Lord. Consider privately studying all the lectionary texts for Advent (see Year B on page 717 in the Book of Common Prayer). And definitely renew your habit of worship in the Lord’s house on Sunday mornings.