December 2: Introduction to the 2017 Advent Project
INTRODUCTION TO ADVENT
Sometime in the early twelfth century the Cistercian monk Bernard of Clairvaux (d. 1153) preached a sermon for the First Sunday of Advent. In this sermon, delivered to his confreres in the monastery, Bernard says that there are six aspects of Advent but it is the first one that stands out. Advent gives opportunity for Christian believers to ponder how great “the One” is who is coming for he is not only the Son of the Most High but he is Also Most High. It is a chance to take note of the “loftiest counsels” of the Trinity. In this way, Advent is not just about Jesus, though it is certainly that, but it is also about the work of the Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. How, after humankind’s decision to rebel against the commands of God, the Trinity conspired to send the Son to set us free. The N-Town Plays (late 1400s) present, in a dramatic manner, the “parliament of heaven” at which the Trinity discusses how they would save humankind from eternal damnation. After a discussion between the virtues (including Truth, Mercy, Justice and Peace) the Son chimes in, “It pains me that I made man; that is to say, it is a pain I must suffer for. A counsel of the Trinity must be had – which of us shall restore man?” God the Father responds, “In your wisdom, Son, humankind was made there, and in wisdom was his temptation. Therefore, some wisdom you must call up and see how man may be saved.” In reply, the Son reveals that “he that shall do this must be both God and man! Let me see how I may wear that clothing [of divinity and humanity]… I am ready to do this deed.” The Holy Spirit affirms this decision and the plan of humanity’s salvation is put into action. Hence, Christmas. This is apocryphal, of course. But it captures an important element of Advent that is easily overlooked but that was not lost on Bernard – Advent is not just Christological but Trinitarian. That might be obvious but it bears repeating.
As you journey through Advent and the Christmas season, may this Advent Project aid you along the way. Not only in preparing for the arrival of the Christ child but in reflecting on and worshipping the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. May the words, sounds and sights of these daily devotionals illuminate your heart and mind as the Dayspring from on high dawns upon us.
Again, we are most thankful for the illustrators, artisans, fine artists, poets, devotional writers, authors, composers and musicians who have contributed to this project. The multiplicity of styles, cultures, traditions, and denominations represented, creates a full-bodied meditation on the marvelous things that God has done and is doing in the hearts and lives of those who seek Him. The CCCA would also like to thank Joy Qualls for so beautifully introducing Advent in this years' video, and the four curators for this year’s Advent Project: Dr. Greg Peters for his work on selecting the scriptures, poet Christopher Davidson for selecting all the poetry, artist Betty Spackman for curating the artwork, and Rachel Glazener for selecting the music for the project. And finally we are most grateful to those readers and subscribers who have generously contributed financially to this endeavor - thank you for your support.