I miss Advent. Yes, the Orthodox have Advent, but it did not develop the multitude of rich traditions that the West did.
In every culture into which Christianity has travelled, local traditions have developed that enrich the local Christian culture. To put it another way, there is no such thing as a “culture-less” Christianity. That concept is, at best, an intellectual mind exercise, but never existed in real life. In fact, St. Paul is a defender of the adaptation of Christianity to the local culture. Colossians 1:16-17 says, “So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.” [There is a disagreement between scholars as to whether it is the Colossians or the critics that have developed the local traditions, but all agree that St. Paul argues for the right of churches to have local traditions.]
But back to Advent. In Europe, a rich tapestry of Advent traditions developed. The Roman Catholic Church developed a whole set of O antiphons that were sung at that time. In German areas, the Advent Wreath slowly developed and then spread into northern European Christianity. Outside of the Church, the Christmas tree and the English Yule log developed. St. Nicholas became an important symbol of the season, encouraging people to give gifts to others. [Yes, I realize that what happened in America with Santa Claus, but that does not mean we should throw St. Nicholas out the window with the bathwater.] The English developed a hearty tradition of Christmas caroling. But, none of those traditions developed in the East.
In fact, in the East, Advent retains its original flavor as a fasting season. No actual celebrations begin until after the Christmas Liturgy. At that time, there is a major dinner in which the family participates. The Slavonic countries did develop one or two minor traditions for Advent, but nothing like what the West did. In fact, in the West Advent changed its character to a season of hopeful joy. There are those in the West who will still mumble about how this is supposed to be a fasting, penitential season. But, that time was over a long time ago. Tradition in the West went in a different direction than in the East.
I suspect that, eventually, the Orthodox in the West may very well adopt some of the Western customs as part of their Advent observance. I know that, unofficially, many Orthodox believers have already changed their personal observance in the home to that of the West. But, I admit that I would like to see the Advent Wreath in the church. I admit that I would like to sing the special Advent hymns that have developed in the West.
Yes, I miss Advent.
The West understands Incarnation. The East understands Resurrection. We need each other. Neither of us reflects the full story alone.
What would happen if you put an Advent Wreath in your sanctuary, or Sang “Come, O Come, Emanuel”?
Does Eastern Orthodox theology not allow for development of traditions?
Hey Bror, actually, we will be singing “O Come, O Come Emanuel” after the service. And, I know that some Orthodox parishes have experimented with an Advent Wreath with 6 candles (to adjust to our Advent).
Here is my concern. I am a convert. And, I am also a former missionary. I am all too conscious of watching other missionaries blithely change local customs with little regard as to why they exist. So, I tend to tread very slowly with changes, checking out first to see if some other reliable Orthodox parish is doing it, talking to fellow priests, etc. In other words, I do not trust my evaluations of the situation just yet. GRIN.
Beth, you are so correct. My “interim take” on the Orthodox (since I come out of the West) is a sense of sadness about the Great Schism. Both the East and the West have so much to give to each other. Moreover, I suspect that some of the subjects about which we debate today may not have been so heavily debated had the Church been able to consult itself in an united, collegial, cooperative, multi-cultural, multi-ethnic fashion. <== That is how an Ecumenical Council is described using modern catch phrases. GRIN.
I’ve heard of GOA parishes with 7-candle wreaths. It makes good sense liturgically, too.
Personally, I’m all for the west returning to her earlier, 7 week advent. (That’s why I like the C of E’s season of “preadvent” in the new books. Makes for a longer period.)
that would certainly make sense to do Fr. Ernesto. No sense in rushing into make changes to fast.
Fr. Ernesto,
I agree with Bror…take it slow. After a 25 year rejection of all traditional observances of the church calendar I am back, and glad to be so. Our traditions can and should enrich and remind us of our God and his mighty works. As long as we can keep the dog from wagging the tail, these observances are a good thing:-)