Sunday
December 8, 2024
10:00 a.m.
with Choir and Organ
The season of Advent is traditionally a time of preparation for Christmas, and its observance dates from the sixth century in Gaul. Originally it stretched from St Martin’s Day (November 11) to Christmas Eve, and was known as “The Lent of St Martin.” This title suggests a parallel between the seasons of Advent and the Lent. Over time this longer and more penitential Advent was shortened to a four-week season of preparation and anticipation, and the themes of judgment and our ultimate destiny were developed for each of the four Sundays of Advent.
These themes originate with the Jewish people, who first looked forward to the coming of God’s Kingdom when there would be a new order of justice and righteousness. The early Church saw that the Kingdom had been anticipated and experienced through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, but still prayed “Thy Kingdom come,” looking forward to a second coming and the final consummation of all things.
The pattern of this service reflects the season’s growing anticipation, both of the first coming of Christ and of that day when the prayer “Thy Kingdom come” is finally and fully answered.
Portions of this description are adapted from the order of service
at St. John’s College, Cambridge and King’s College, Cambridge
