Summer Advent
James 5:7
Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains.
Summer Advent
The concept of “Christmas in July” has gained in popularity over the years. The first time I encountered it was back in my first Pastoral Charge, Killam, Alberta. There was a family in town whose children had spread out across the prairies as they matured, found partners, jobs, and had children. Returning to Killam for Christmas in the midst of blizzards, black ice and sub-zero temperatures had not only become a challenge but was making it “less fun.” The family decided that rather than trying to compete with in-laws and weather that Christmas was only a day and they would celebrate in July when the entire family could descend upon Killam.
This was not simply a turkey dinner in the midst of summer – no, it was decorated yard, Christmas tree, gift exchange, singing Christmas Carols and even Santa made a special, “summer run.” I believe what made it such an awesome idea was that it was an opportunity for the entire family to gather, feast and celebrate. Taking the pressure off children to travel during the darkest, coldest month of the year on the prairies was also a gift to them.
What made me think of this is that the Season of Christmas is always preceded by the Season of Advent – a time of waiting. This summer feels like a time of waiting for me. We have been very busy this last year at Comox United Church with three part-time ministers, a Visioning process, and the formation of an MPS Committee to call a new minister. Something new is about to begin!
The work has been done, Deb and Phil have returned to their communities and now, we wait. For me, the Season of Advent ends and the Season of Christmas begins with the lighting of that brand new Christ Candle on Christmas Eve. It signals that our waiting is over and something new has begun.
If it was just simply waiting for a new minister, I think it would be rather predictable – been there, done that! What makes a difference is, our Visioning Report serves as an Advent Report. It’s a bit like John the Baptist proclaiming a new future. We have managed to articulate our dreams and aspirations into a document full of hope and promise. But how will we live that hope out and what will our future look like? And who will accompany us on that journey? For me, when we welcome our new minister, it will signal the end of waiting and a time to begin anew.
Advent is not a time for passive waiting. It is a time for active waiting. How do we hold the hope? What sunshine and rains will nourish the seed of vision? How do we prepare to welcome this new beginning? How, as individuals, will we participate and support the faith community as we embark on this journey?
As I take advantage of our glorious West Coast summer, hiking the forests, walking along the water, biking through town, these are some of the thoughts that occupy me. There is a certain tension, energy, excitement that comes with waiting. Also, some apprehension about an unknown future. Similar to Advent, I lean into God, and wait, trusting that all will be well.
Happy Summer Advent!
Wayne