Advent Rhythms at Commons
The signs are everywhere.
Lights along the city streets.
Shortening daylight hours.
Snow falling.
These are the annual signposts that the season of Advent has returned. And to be honest, I've come to appreciate its arrival.
I've often needed a change in perspective as the weight of year-end pressure closes in. There have been many times in late November and early December when I've recognized how tired I am — or how distracted I feel. In more than one instance, Advent has coincided with a significant personal loss or setback.
For these reasons, I've grown to anticipate the lights in my neighbourhood, the chill in the air, and the candle-lit reflections in our Commons liturgy.
Because Advent offers an opportunity to begin again.
Yes, Advent's onset means we start the Church's yearly cycle of feasting and fasting afresh together. This storied cycle has helped Christians rehearse the story of Jesus' life through the centuries, and I've discovered that repeating familiar lines and scenes helps me carry faith more thoughtfully. But, I've also found that Advent gives me a chance to reset because it invites me to acknowledge how much I want things to be different.
The truth is that I've come to recognize the echo of my longing in the cast of characters this season brings us.
I've felt it in Zechariah's disbelief at receiving good news (Luke 1:18).
I've seen it in Simeon's arduous waiting (Luke 2:25-27).
I've heard it in Mary's quiet resolve, "May it be to me…" (Luke 1:38).
Through each of these stories, I've discovered that these four weeks before Christmas are so much more than a sentimental retelling of Christ's birth. I've learned to sense Advent's bold invitation not to turn away from the world's weariness, just as I've learned to feel the ways it dares me (gently) to hope anew.
Now, I assume you come to this season with your own awareness, challenges, and a longing for change. This is why, especially at this time of year, we make space for the complexity of our stories. It's also why we encourage you to participate in our Commons' Advent rhythms.
First, starting November 30th, we'll take a moment in each Sunday service to centre ourselves in Advent themes, and light the Advent candles. This practice centres us on Christ as the bringer of the hope, love, joy, and peace our world needs. You can follow along by attending on Sundays or tuning in on our livestream.
Second, this invitation applies to our Advent teaching series, too, which we've called Advent: The Musical. This year, we're exploring the songs that appear in narratives about Christ's birth, and this will be a fun way to reimagine these ancient, familiar stories.
Third, we invite you to attend our Darkest Night liturgy on December 18th. Darkest Night has become an essential part of our journey toward Christmas, where we acknowledge the difficulty and grief many face during the holiday season. We'll pause, we'll wait, and we'll hold some light in this dark and fragile world.
And finally, again this year, we're going to try to do something special with our Advent campaign. It is so amazing to be part of a community that takes our relationship with our neighbours so seriously. This Christmas, you can help extend the generosity of Christmas to those around us. Details can be found at commons.church/advent. Thank you for the ways you help us extend care here in Calgary and beyond.
Welcome to Advent and Merry Christmas.
Register for your free Christmas Eve spots here.
