Sunday, Nov. 30, marked the first day of the Advent season. Advent is a four-week season of waiting, reflection and preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth on Dec. 25. Professors from Christ College and Lead Pastor Quinton Anderson shared what the season of Advent means to them, as well as provided students with advice on how they can reflect and prepare during the weeks leading up to Christmas. 

Dr. Scott Stiegemeyer shared that Advent means more to him than just pre-Christmas. “I always think of the Bible’s promise that Jesus is ‘God-with-us.’ That’s what Immanuel means. That’s the comfort and joy of Advent. God is with His people in Word and Sacrament right now,” said Stiegemeyer. 

 

Dr. Joel Oesch highlights how the Advent season means waiting in expectation. He said, “It reminds me of the times my wife was pregnant (4 times!). We knew something wonderful was about to make its appearance and change our world forever. In the case of our Christian faith, this expectation of the Christ child returns every year at Advent, marking the profound realization of the ‘Word made flesh.’”

“I found it to be a season of hope in Christ that brings peace and joy in all circumstances. I find that to be an especially helpful anchor given the frantic nature of life and the month of December in particular,” said Anderson. 

The professors also shared their own personal traditions during the Advent season. “My favorite tradition of Advent is singing the traditional Advent hymns. ‘Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending’ is one of the best,” stated Stiegemeyer.

Oesch described his traditions during the season as mixing both the practices of the Christmas season and the Advent season. “In silly ways, Advent means that I'm perpetually playing Christmas music in the house, the puzzles are out, the fireplace is lit and the Grinch is the movie du jour,” he said, “but Advent is certainly not about that, and so in seriousness our family looks forward to the sacred music, the worship complete with Advent wreath, the liturgical colors (blue/purple), and the church community we share life with--all of which have distinctive flavors from November to December.”

Anderson also has Advent traditions with his family. They spend time with nightly devotions. “We pull out our Advent wreath with its candles, lighting an additional candle each week as we make our way closer and closer to Christmas. We also usually have an Advent calendar with family members taking turns opening the next window or box each night, revealing a different little treat, picture or phrase as we count down the days until Christmas,” said Anderson. 

“It used to mean midweek Advent services and an Advent calendar counting down the days,” said Dr. Mike Middendorf. He expressed that while it has become difficult in a busy time period at a university setting to focus and prepare for the season, Thanksgiving and winter break are a great time to refocus on Christ. 

For students seeking ways to participate and reflect during this season, the faculty noted that worship and reading are important methods for reviewing the Word. 

“I always recommend people read something special for devotion during this season,” stated Stiegemeyer. “This year, my wife and I are going through a little book of Advent devotions based on the book of Isaiah.”

Oesch recommended, “Read the birth narratives of John the Baptist and Jesus in the Gospels. Then, join your local congregation for Wednesday night worship for the season.” 

Middendorf acknowledges that the Advent season coincides with a busy time for most students, as it overlaps with the end of the semester and the period leading up to finals and graduation. An accessible way for students to easily participate in this season is to utilize Concordia’s chapel. “We spent all fall in Chapel walking through Ephesians. A lot of the messages are available online under Chapel. View the Chapel Archive. That might be a way to receive and/or review Jesus coming to us in his Word.”

“Our last week of chapel services incorporates Advent themes and texts,” added Anderson. On Dec. 2, the Tues. night, Evening Prayer even had an Advent-themed service. 

In addition to personal reflection, the faculty recommends finding community during this season.

“Gather with others and celebrate the real reason for the season of Christmas,” stated Middendorf. “Find another human being to serve...someone with whom you can share Advent joy,” added Oesch. 

A perfect opportunity for students to celebrate Advent together on campus with the community is Concordia Candlelight. This event will be held on Tues. Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m. at Good Shepherd Chapel. It is open to students, faculty, family and children.

“This is a special service intended to be Concordia’s Christmas Eve celebration, singing many favorite Christmas carols and hearing the Christmas story as we get ready to go into the Christmas break,” explained Anderson. 

Students looking to spend additional time in worship with fellow Golden Eagles during the final weeks of school are welcome to attend chapel at Good Shepherd every Mon., Tues., Thurs. and in the gym on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Additional resources and information about worship services can be found on @abbeywest_cui on Instagram or https://www.cui.edu/studentlife/student-leadership/abbey-west

Tags: faith, abbeywest, Faculty

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