A Convergence Service For Advent

The service below draws on the traditional Advent service, but incorporates elements of the praise-and-worship and the charismatic traditions to provide a guideline for contemporary churches. The reader should adapt the service as needed to his or her local church. The Setting. The sanctuary can be festively decorated for this season. While more secular ornamentation should be kept to a minimum, many symbols of Christ's coming and subsequent life are helpful in setting the tone. Particularly, the use of evergreens brings the concept of everlasting life to the forefront. Wreathes, branches, and even small trees can help. One custom used widely in the church is the "Chrismon tree. " The tree is placed near the front of the auditorium and decorated with symbols, or chrismons, of Christ and his church. These symbols can be placed on the tree at the beginning of Advent, or added each week during the service with an explanation of the meaning of each. This could take place during the offer…