Even in low church traditions, during Advent, there are annual rhythms and traditions that many of us practice as we await the arrival of Jesus at Christmas. While many of these traditions bring a sense of joy, comfort and nostalgia, they can also be reminders of how faith or church community has come unravelled in our lives.
With several theological degrees under my belt, I often find myself struggling to sing Christmas carols that reference simplistic ideas about Jesus and Christmas. More information about the historical context challenges the Christmas card images of Mary and Joseph alone in a barn. The deep mysteries of incarnation and redemption are too big to fit in that tiny manger.
While singing traditional hymns or buying a Christmas card can be complicated, the beauty of unwrapping a more complex picture of faith during Advent is a blessing each year.
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Revisit posts from previous Advent Readers
