Traditionally the 4 themes for sermons in Advent, the lead up to Christmas were; heaven, hell, death and judgement. Not quite tinsel and trees or baby in a manger subjects! but where did they come from?
Advent is a time of waiting - but waiting for what? we might assume it is for the birth of Christ and of course it is. However, there is an element of preparation in the waiting. This preparation is in readiness not only of the coming of Christ but also the expected return of Christ - the baby becomes the judge of all.
Christ means Messiah or anointed one and the Jews expected a semi-divine or even divine arrival who would judge all and wrap up history itself in a sort of apocalyptic climax that see the righteous rewarded and the unrighteous punished. It is this grand climax that brought in the rather strange themes (for a baby's birth) of heaven, hell, death and judgement!
Perhaps this advent you might want to ponder - What do these 4 themes mean to you? What do you understand them to be? How might they influence how you live your life?
Happy Christmas and a thoughtful Advent!
Des
Christmas is loud isn’t it? So much expectation. So many voices. Telling us how to celebrate. What to wear. What to eat and drink. What to watch and what to buy. Instead, this Christmas we’re inviting everyone to hush the noise. To listen for the love song that the angels bring, this and every year. They sang it for the first time more than 2,000 years ago, on the midnight clear. They’re just waiting for us to join in.
Advent dawns with lights strung high
and music everywhere,
Sights and smells abound around,
Senses assaulted and confused,
O hush the noise,
Let’s hear the angels sing.
Amid the lists and cards and gifts,
Amid the pleas and “please can we”,
Amid the chaos of the world,
O hush the noise,
Let’s hear the angels sing.
Let’s seek to see and seek to hear.
Let’s seek to feel and seek to know.
Let’s seek to find peace and love.
O hush the noise,
Let’s hear the angels sing.
Methodist Church Advent Liturgy 2024
Now listen to the angels sing with one of Liz's favourites John Rutter's Angel Carol