Advent

[euphemia]

Anyone doing anything special during Advent?

We are listening to a chapter of the Gospel of Luke every night. Luke has 24 chapters, so we will have the whole life of Christ by Christmas.

[RJB]

Anyone doing anything special during Advent?

We are listening to a chapter of the Gospel of Luke every night. Luke has 24 chapters, so we will have the whole life of Christ by Christmas.

Yes, I am reading a chapter of Luke each night to my kids too.

[RJB]

There is a reason why the Christmas season can feel so hollow and Christmas itself and afterwards feels so empty.

Traditionally, Advent was a time of fasting and prayer. A time to focus on the spiritual aspect to prepare for the celebration of the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. Then after the time of asceticism, Christmas day brings the feast. Then the 12 days of Christmas (that come after) are days of celebration that gradually wind down.

Now instead of fasting, our society feeds like gluttons from Thanksgiving to the big feast on Christmas day.. the meal on Christmas Day is simply the final feast, and then there is nothing...

[euphemia]

RJB, what version are you using?

[RJB]

RJB, what version are you using?

The Orthodox Study Bible.

[euphemia]

There is a reason why the Christmas season can feel so hollow and Christmas itself and afterwards feels so empty.

Traditionally, Advent was a time of fasting and prayer. A time to focus on the spiritual aspect to prepare for the celebration of the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. Then after the time of asceticism, Christmas day brings the feast. Then the 12 days of Christmas (that come after) are days of celebration that gradually wind down.

Now instead of fasting, our society feeds like gluttons from Thanksgiving to the big feast on Christmas day.. the meal on Christmas Day is simply the final feast, and then there is nothing...

Husband generally has a bah humbug attitude for any holiday—especially Christmas. I like the quiet reflection. One of the things I learned from the liturgical year is that preparation must precede celebration.

I believe the Incarnation is foundational to our doctrine. Without life there is no death. Without death there is no resurrection.

[TER]

Husband generally has a bah humbug attitude for any holiday—especially Christmas. I like the quiet reflection. One of the things I learned from the liturgical year is that preparation must precede celebration.

I believe the Incarnation is foundational to our doctrine. Without life there is no death. Without death there is no resurrection.

There are some Church Fathers (can’t recall which ones off the top of my head) that say that the Incarnation was the greatest mystery, even more so than the Resurrection, and that the history of creation is divided up between the time before the Incarnation of the Logos of God and the time after.

Of course, the Nativity is one of the greatest celebrations as well, when we celebrate the birth of Christ and the advent of the Incarnate Son of God. Happens to be my favorite one as well.

Α blessed Advent season to you Euphemia! May it be filled with peace and joy!

[euphemia]

And to you.

[tfurrh]

There is a reason why the Christmas season can feel so hollow and Christmas itself and afterwards feels so empty.

Traditionally, Advent was a time of fasting and prayer. A time to focus on the spiritual aspect to prepare for the celebration of the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. Then after the time of asceticism, Christmas day brings the feast. Then the 12 days of Christmas (that come after) are days of celebration that gradually wind down.

Now instead of fasting, our society feeds like gluttons from Thanksgiving to the big feast on Christmas day.. the meal on Christmas Day is simply the final feast, and then there is nothing...

Except the in-laws calling you one more time to get together for New Year's.

[pcosmar]

I find it Awesome, in the full meaning of the word,, That the Creator would become his creation.

The God of all that is,, was born as an infant human.