Although the Church remembered Christ's birth and life in the weeks preceding Christmas early-on, Pope Gregory the Great (540-604) is often recognized as formally instituting advent. A former monk and ascetic, he influenced the direction of the Church in significant ways during a time when it was wrestling with how to remain an influence in society without becoming indistinguishably part of it.
So, why does my family practice advent?
- It reminds us that Christmas is more significant than the cultural hype surrounding it.
- It provides a richness and context to the season as we read verses from the Bible in preparation for Christmas.
- It connects us with a centuries-old Christian tradition that many before us have practiced.
This time of year, there are some decisions that don't matter much: will it be a fake tree or real? PS3 or X Box? Ipod or Zune? Wii? Turkey or ham?
The decision, however, to make this season more than just about presents and santa does matter. So, what is Christmas about? My personal challenge is, over these next four weeks, to reflect on that question.
It seems there are few things that could matter more.
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