Matt's Blog

Ok, I know this is late notice, but yesterday was the first day of Advent. Advent, for you low church types, is the time when Christians (some of them anyway) prepare for the coming of Christ. It is a penitential time of introspection and repentance, not an easy attitude to maintain while the rest of the world celebrates christams (small c) and has been for the last few weeks. Advent of course culimates with the the celebrations of Christ's coming at Christmas.

At home we lit the first candle on our advent wreath last night. And we set up the empty stable for our nativity scene. We'll add some animals in the next couple of weeks. The fourth week we'll probably start the holy family on their journy from the tv set, across the mantle, bookcase, and piano, arriving safely (hopefully) on Christmas eve. The shepards show up Christmas and the wise men 12 days later.

Personally I'm going to use the Praying Advent page to for my morning prayers. I'd like to invite both my readers to join me. The readings include a fair bit of material, including scripture readings. I'm not sure how much I will use each day myself, so don't feel like you have to go through everything either. But I think it would be cool to have others out there meditating and praying with me during this season. Oh, and I don't think there's a problem with starting a few days (or a couple weeks) late. Jump in whereever you like. Here's the opening prayer from the first day to get us all started.

Let us pray
that we may take Christ's coming seriously

All-powerful God,
increase our strength of will for doing good
that Christ may find an eager welcome at his coming
and call us to his side in the kingdom of heaven,
where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

Amen