I blogged about this last year, but wanted to add some more to it. I also had to change our home Advent liturgy somewhat because we bought a new tree!
We're really concerned with keeping a proper Advent each year, not only in reaction to the rampant consumerism of the "Christmas season" (which starts Hallowe'en around 6:00 p.m.), but also because most of the Evangelical world has abandoned the practice, which to me is not only sad but dumb. A season of preparation, self-examination and spiritual discipline seems only right in preparation for a great feast. You clean up and make ready for a big party, right? How much more when the guest is the King?
Advent is a time to remember not only our Lord's coming as a humble Child, but also His coming return as our Judge. And since I hold so strongly to the Postmillennial viewpoint about that glorious and dreadful Day, I believe it's appropriate to enact those beliefs in our Advent-keeping.
So the tree goes up, bare but for lights this first week. Next, the purple glass ornaments signifying the Kingdom in the world and the penitence and fasting of its people. The third week we will hang the silver ornaments, to my mind not only signifying the blessings the Kingdom is bringing into the world, but also coinciding with the Joy candle. The fourth week, we will hang some of the star ornaments we have, not only recalling the star which heralded Jesus' birth, but also the defeat of the principalities and powers in the heavenlies. Finally, on Christmas Eve, we complete the decorating and joyfully place the Pantocrator icon on top of the tree, welcoming the coming of our great King.
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