Preparing for Christ’s birth

Dear Cathedral family,

Legend has it that in 1839, a German pastor named Johann Henrich Wichern took an old wheel from a cart and placed wax candles between the spokes to help the children in his mission school count the days to Christmas. That wheel became the ancestor of the Advent wreath.

Each year, ancient Christians whose roots go back to the time of Christ celebrate Christmas differently than the rest of our culture. We hold fast to this season called Advent, which means coming, in which we wait for Christ to come. During this season, which is short and lasts just four weeks, we light four candles, one each week. We do this because we believe that the light of Christ is entering the world and because it is a good way, as Johann knew so long ago, to explain this mystery to children.

This coming Sunday, after each morning worship service, we will invite you to build an Advent wreath, or, if you already have one, bring it with you and decorate your wreath with greenery for the season. I want you to bring your wreath home, place it on your table, and before dinner, light a candle and say a prayer of thanksgiving or sing “O Come O Come Emmanuel.” Do this with me as we wait for Christ to come.

It is hard to wait. But waiting can be beautiful. Leave some moments free to light a candle either alone or with your family. Christ is coming!