A Traditional Service For Advent Part I

The following service is a creative adaptation of the traditional pattern and texts for worship in the season of Advent. It will be of particular help for those who plan more formal Advent worship. For others, the commentary included with this service will provide a guide to thoughtful planning for the Advent season. PREPARING FOR WORSHIP WITH GOD'S PEOPLE Commentary: The setting for Advent worship is very important in conveying the nature of the season. Banners, paraments (cloths that cover the Communion table and pulpit), bulletins, printed liturgies, or worship-folder covers may be designed to reflect the colors, symbols, and primary characters of the season. The colors of the season are blue, which suggests hope, and purple, which suggests penitence. Traditional Advent symbols include the stump or root of Jesse (Isa. 11), a blooming desert (Isa. 35), and the shepherd of Israel (Isa. 40:9-11; Ps. 80). Biblical characters associated with the narratives of Advent include John the B…