A Convergence Service For Advent

The service below draws on the traditional Advent service, but incorporates elements of the praise-and-worship and the charismatic traditions to provide a guideline for contemporary churches. The reader should adapt the service as needed to his or her local church.

The Setting. The sanctuary can be festively decorated for this season. While more secular ornamentation should be kept to a minimum, many symbols of Christ's coming and subsequent life are helpful in setting the tone. Particularly, the use of evergreens brings the concept of everlasting life to the forefront. Wreathes, branches, and even small trees can help. One custom used widely in the church is the "Chrismon tree." The tree is placed near the front of the auditorium and decorated with symbols, or chrismons, of Christ and his church. These symbols can be placed on the tree at the beginning of Advent, or added each week during the service with an explanation of the meaning of each. This could take place during the offering. Many bookstores carry books showing the various symbols of Christianity. An Advent wreath may be prominently displayed in the front of the church to be used as a point of special significance during worship. Most Advent wreaths have three purple candles and one rose-colored candle with a white paschal candle in the center. ACTS OF ENTRANCE Processional Commentary: Advent processionals introduce the congregation to the theme for that particular Sunday. These themes can be derived from the Advent wreath ceremony, the sermon series, etc. Special Advent banners are especially helpful. A great fall project could involve different groups from the church (including the children) in making an Advent banner. Usually the processional is accompanied by a traditional Christmas hymn or carol rather than a worship chorus. ACTS OF PRAISE AND WORSHIP Commentary:The time of praise and worship can be a blending of Christmas carols, hymns, and contemporary worship choruses. Several special Advent choruses have recently been written, and they give the church a special opportunity for a different feel to this part of the service. In addition to worship books, many cantatas contain wonderful choruses and hymns that can be used. Other hymns and choruses that announce Christ's second coming are also very appropriate. This allows for a blending of remembrance and anticipation. Special litanies or readings for the Advent season can be found or written. MINISTRY OF THE WORD Lighting of the Advent Candle Commentary: During Advent, an additional part of the service is the lighting of the Advent wreath. This can proceed directly out of the time of praise and worship that has focused us on the coming of Christ. A small group of people proceed to the front of the church (a kinship group, church fellowship group, family, etc.). As one person lights a candle, another (or others) read a Scripture and/or an appropriate text that describes what the candle represents. Each week an additional candle is lit, culminating with the Christ candle on Christmas Eve or Christmas day. Themes for the various candles vary and can be determined by the worship leaders. The most common themes are First Sunday: Expectation Second Sunday: Proclamation Third Sunday: Joy (rose candle) Fourth Sunday: Purity

After the Scripture or text, a chorus or hymn is sung. Sometimes a different verse of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" is used for each Sunday.

Collect for the Day Commentary: The Advent ceremony leads us to a focus on the Word, beginning with a collect from the Book of Common Prayer or other resource. Readings Commentary: The Old Testament, New Testament, and Gospel readings, as well as the Psalms, are taken from the lectionary for each of the Sundays in Advent. Most lectionaries are on a three-year cycle, beginning with Advent. Creed Commentary: In addition to the Apostles' and Nicene Creed, Christmas creeds (compilations of specific Scriptures, etc.) can be used. MINISTRY OF THE TABLE Commentary: As the church celebrates Holy Communion during Advent, the major themes of the season should come forth in this more liturgical section. Eucharistic Prayer Commentary: Follow one of the prayers of thanksgiving or prepare your own. As people come forward to receive the bread and wine, sing familiar hymns, songs, and choruses that are appropriate. Provide opportunity for the laying on of hands with anointing and prayer. Prayer after Communion Sending Hymn Commentary: A traditional hymn or carol of Christmas can be used.