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Study guide


Wait: It’s the season of Advent N


orth Americans hate to wait for anything—as evi- denced in the avalanche of advance orders for the iPhone 6, blockbuster midnight releases of Hollywood


movies and the popularity of takeout dinners. So for our cul- ture, Advent provides an especially countercultural correc- tive and a reason—and method—of experiencing a different flow of time and way of life.


Exercise 1: Winter rhythms In centuries past, the coming of winter, the cooling of the earth and the shortening of days brought a slowing of pace. The harvest now in and seedtime yet months away, winter meant quieter rhythms and different work. • How do traditional Advent observances relate to this pattern? • How is modern life different from ancient times, and for what reasons? • What is lost by the absence of a “slow” season in our lives? • Why do we need Advent?


Exercise 2: Day by day Who says Advent calendars are just for children? They pro- vide a great vehicle to remember to relish every day—and to anticipate the next day in the Advent season. As a study group, agree to use Advent calendars as a spiritual practice aid, brainstorming ways to make opening the daily window a personal or family ritual. Write and share prayers for waiting and receiving a gift. Invite innovation and creativity. When the group gathers, share experiences of the Advent calendar.


Exercise 3: Slow-lane living Modern life is very rushed. Practicing delayed gratification and reveling in the slow processes of life can be a spiritual exercise. It teaches us patience, helps us think through to the end of that for which we are waiting—an outcome, an event, attainment of a goal or possession. As a study group, covenant to practice “slow lane living” for a week by consciously wait- ing and avoiding rushing. For instance, drive at or close to the speed limit and practice patience with other drivers. When eating, don’t take the next forkful or spoonful until you have


By Robert C. Blezard


swallowed what is already in your mouth. What other ideas can you think of to slow down? Share your experiences.


Exercise 4: Advent adventures • What memories do you have of Advent traditions that your family or your congregation celebrated when you were a child? What were the meanings and memories? • What would it take either to revive them or renew then? • Research Advent traditions and select one or two that you find interesting. What steps would you have to take to bring them into your family or congregation? Why not plan a big Advent this year?


Exercise 5: 12 days of Christmas Until only a few generations ago, Christians held off celebrat- ing the birth of Christ until after Dec. 25, but then the festivi- ties lasted 12 days—until the Day of Epiphany on Jan. 6. • In what ways has our culture turned this around to cel- ebrate Christmas during Advent? • What are the dominant pressures to bring on Christmas early? • How can a well-observed Advent and joyous 12 days of Christmas complement each other? • Explore ways you can revive this tradition in your family and congregation.


Exercise 6: Not Christmas • When did you first see Christmas merchandise and deco- rations in a local store? • Who benefits from an earlier Christmas season? • In what ways have you succumbed to the lure of celebrating Christmas before Christmas? • What is lost when we celebrate Christmas too early? • List 10 ways that you could resist that temptation this year. How can embracing Advent help? • Make and share with everyone an Advent plan for your family and congregation. 


This study guide is offered as one example of the more than 400 that are currently available on The Lutheran’s website. Download guides (includ- ing a longer version of this one)—free to print and Web subscribers—at www.thelutheran.org (click “study guides”).


Author bio: Blezard is an assistant to the bishop of the Lower Susquehanna Synod. He has a master of divinity degree from Boston University and did


subsequent study at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg (Pa.) and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia.


December 2014 25


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