Advent is the first season of the Church year. It lasts for four weeks leading up to Christmas Day on December 25. “Advent” comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming or arrival.” Used by the Church, the word refers to two things. First, it speaks of Jesus Christ’s appearance at his birth on the first…
We Need Advent Now More Than Ever! Celebrating Advent in 2020
Today I found myself completely distracted by my little robot vacuum. (We call him “Eufy.”) While I should have been helping the kids with their homeschooling, I found myself increasingly frustrated by his sense of aimlessness. All I wanted was for Eufy to clean the kitchen. With four teenagers in the house all day, that…
St. Mary the Virgin: Reflections from a Former Evangelical
As someone who grew up evangelical Protestant, I always viewed the doctrinal distinctives of the Church of Rome with suspicion. To me, one of the stranger elements of Roman piety and practice was devotion to the Virgin Mary. I always believed Mary was important and special. She miraculously conceived our Lord, after all! However, because…
Nine Lessons and Carols: A Rookie Anglican Guide
The Anglican tradition has inherited many ancient pieces of liturgy. Therefore, it may be surprising to learn that the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols (traditionally held on or near Christmas Eve) is a relatively recent invention. It celebrated a century of the practice in 2018. Born from the profound grief and turmoil of the…
What NOT to Get Your Rector (Or Their Spouse) for Christmas!
I have been having fun writing about some gift ideas for Rectors and their Spouses. I served as a Rector for over 30 years and spend a lot of time now with Rectors and their families. I know that many laypeople want to get the Rector and their Spouse a gift for Christmas to show…
Let John Chrysostom Preach His Nativity Sermon on Christmas Sunday
Several years ago, I served as the Assistant Rector at a large Anglican Church. This meant, of course, that I had the wonderful opportunity of preaching cultural holiday weekends when attendance would be predictably low … i.e. Memorial Day Weekend, Labor Day Weekend, etc. One of the key weekends that I always got to preach…
Saint Lucy’s Day: A Rookie Anglican Guide
Flickering candles, hot coffee, and saffron buns (here’s a recipe!). This Scandinavian Advent tradition has its roots in the story of a 3rd-century martyr who brought light and aid to Christian saints in hiding. Celebrated on December 13 (one week after St Nicholas day), the feast day of St. Lucy is one of warmth, light,…
Go to the Nearby Wilderness This Advent
In the middle of Advent, we encounter John the Baptist in the desert. In fact, every year, Anglicans devote half of Advent to the prophet of the wilderness, John the Baptist. Even the 2019 Book of Common Prayer‘s collect for the Third Sunday in Advent references the prophets: O Lord Jesus Christ, you sent your…
The Liturgical Home: What is Advent?
The following is an excerpt from The Liturgical Home: Advent by Ashley Wallace. What is Advent? All of Scripture is a sacred love story, the love of God the Father for His people. It is a story filled with expectation, longing, and fulfillment. From the beginning, God has lovingly walked with us, called to us, and…
What They Are Saying about “A Thrill of Hope” by Ashley Wallace!
The following is Tai French’s review of A Thrill of Hope: Celebrating Advent at Home by Ashley Wallace. If you, like Tai, enjoy A Thrill of Hope, would you please leave a 5-star review on Amazon? It’s the best, easiest way to get the word out about the book! A brief and delightful read, A…
Try These 3 “Las Posadas” Recipes This Advent!
Want more Advent recipes, devotions, and traditions to try at home? Check out A Thrill of Hope: Celebrating Advent at Home (Revised and Expanded for 2020)! Picture this. Every evening during the last nine days before Christmas, a great crowd forms in the village streets. A small child dressed as an angel leads the figures of…
My Top 4 Favorite Family Advent Traditions
Advent is one of my favorite seasons. As a person who did not grow up celebrating Advent, I have absolutely fallen in love with it. Advent is beautiful and holy and full of hope! (If you’d like to read more why you should follow the Church calendar in your home this Advent, you can read…
