Advent is a time, paradoxically, of both active preparation and intentional silence…we are active as we prepare our hearts for the presence of God, yet at the same time we find ourselves slowing our rhythm as the Holy One comes alongside us. It is a time of spiritual practices that both ‘tends the hearth’ of our heart-space – think “holy housekeeping” – while putting down the broom and duster and simply resting with God in the luminous quiet of the season.
The Cathedral is a gift for this kind of spiritual practice, especially in Advent when we balance a vibrant music and liturgy schedule with space for quiet contemplation. Advent is about both.
I encourage you to consider Trinity in Advent as a place not only to experience the beauty of the season, but to embrace the gift of spiritual practice as well.
There are so many ways to experience Advent at Trinity! You can join us this Friday evening as Trinity Artist-In-Residence Alla Boara, an Italian folk ensemble, offers Natale in Italia. Join us for a Labyrinth Walk this Sunday between the services (and the labyrinth will remain up until Monday, Dec. 8). Continue the Journey with Advent Lessons and Carols on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 4:00 p.m. Celebrate with St. Nicholas (and return your gifts for the Marion-Sterling Community) on Sunday, Dec. 14. Make a joyful noise at the annual Messiah Sing on Wednesday, Dec. 17. Join us for Apollo’s Fire’s Christmas Vespers on Dec. 17 or 18 (tickets available on their website).
And of course, be with us for the fourth Sunday of Advent on Dec. 21, when we draw the season to a close and look forward to a festive Christmas Eve celebration.
Let us prepare our hearts, together, with prayer and song, celebration and contemplation, through the blessings of the Season of Advent.
