Friday Five, Adventually

Although it comes as late as it can this year, Advent is upon us. Some of us grew up observing it, while to others it was even more foreign than Lent!

Here are five questions about Advent for this first of December:


1) Do you observe Advent in your church?

I don't have a church home at present, but the last church I served observed Advent with a wreath and the appropriate liturgical colors. Music was a much, much harder sell-- generally, the folks wanted Carols from December 1 on... but I just couldn't bring myself to go along wholeheartedly. I included one carol week 2, one week 3, and 2 week four.

2) How about at home?

Yes: every year we break every conceivable fire regulation by getting a fresh balsam wreath that we put at the center of our dining room table, with four fat pillars in it. It is beautifully evocative of the season for me (and I promise, I never leave it unattended).

3) Do you have a favorite Advent text or hymn?

The "O" Antiphons, including "O Come O Come Emmanuel." Hate to sound like a broken record, but do check out the Sufjan Stevens version. Just beautiful-- spare and hard and invitational at the same time.

4) Why is one of the candles in the Advent wreath pink? (You may tell the truth, but I'll like your answer better if it's funny.)

Why, it's for the missed menstrual periods of pregnancy, of course. Sheesh! Doesn't everyone know that?

5) What's the funniest/kitschiest Advent calendar you've ever seen?

Hands down, "Precious Moments." No, wait!! One in which the holy family were depicted as TEDDY BEARS!!!!!! AAAUUURRRRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!