Over the past several years, I’d heard several people comment on how Advent is a confusing season. If your congregation follows a system of readings known as the lectionary, you can perhaps relate. There are multiple lectionaries out there, but most follow this pattern through Advent.
Jesus arrives on Palm Sunday as the humble, peaceful king.
John the Baptist Announces Jesus Imminent Arrival with Holy Spirit and fire.
Jesus proclaims to the imprisoned John the Baptist that His arrival brings healing and good news.
Mary (and Elizabeth) pregnant, hearing of of Jesus arrival will bring salvation.
The Old Testament readings align well with the Gospels in each of these occasions. But the Psalms and Epistles seem to be thematically focused on the Advent Candles.
Hope, Peace, Joy, Love.
Thematic focus works for some people, but the narrative order is confusing for others. We move from Holy Week to right before Jesus starts His ministry to the middle of His ministry to before He was born. All the while trying to bring in these candle themes, and let me tell you, they don’t line up.
It ends up feeling disjointed sometimes.
Sometimes I just feel bad for the Advent season. We are preparing for Jesus to arrive, and it feels like we are just trying to do to much at once. It’s not unlike our own lives this time of year. We’ve got to remember 17 different things in 11 different categories. Hosting, travel, presents, Christmas cards, baking, cooking, parties, church, decorating, music, movies.
Is the real them of Advent chaos?
Maybe. Maybe that’s the unintentional, poignant point. That in the midst of disjointed themes and narratives that are out of order, Jesus arrives. Christmas comes, ready or not. The angels enlighten the night sky revealing to humble shepherds the good news that there’s a baby in the town over there, wrapped in swaddling clothes, snoozing in a manger.
And that baby is God.
Thanks for reading. Blessings on your Advent.
Andy