Episode One: Advent A-Go-Go
December 8, 2008
The Mark Andrew PopeCast with Mark Andrew Pope and Aron Head
Early this morning, the episode one of the Mark Andrew PopeCast rolled out onto the interwebs. Timely and topical, we chat about the season of Advent. Mark and I have been working on the podcast for three months now with lots of content recorded. It’s interesting then that this is the subject that’s stuck with me more than any other.
We recorded this one last Thursday. Ever since, it’s been on my mind.
Maybe it’s because I knew it would be our first show to drop after last week’s zero episode? Perhaps it’s because we’re currently in the season of Advent? Or maybe we hit on something that’s gnawing hard on me.
I think it’s the latter.
In the course of our discussion, we verbalized some ideas that I’ve not ever put into words before. They’ve been thoughts I’ve had swirling about in my head, but saying them aloud? Sharing them with a friend and hurling them out into the ether? I’m finding the effect startling.
I am conflicted, you see. Advent has meaning to me. I value this season. I don’t; however, believe that the season as laid out in the liturgy has the desired impact on most congregants.
I am not a person who believes that just because we have always done something in a given manner necessarily mandates that we should always proceed in such fashion. Nor am I someone who is prepared to throw away hundreds and hundreds of years of tradition to facilitate the comfort of the faithful.
Tradition has value. History informs the present. Regardless, I can’t help but wonder… should there be an easing of the way when it comes to Advent? Do we lose what’s important compromising with the secular season or do we gain a peace of the spirit?
Can there be a place in the middle?
Here’s my struggle: I don’t know.
I’m praying about it.
Listened to the Advent podcast and you both echo a lot of my own thoughts/concerns about this season as I echo a lot of contradictions you both talk about (putting up the tree before Christmas eve, etc.) Can’t wait till next year’s Advent podcast and consider me in for the campaign to restore/reinvigorate the Advent season at the start of the western church calendar.
Alrighty! We have a real movement to Reinvent Advent! Thanks for listening, man! Be sure and tune in next week. Mark’s written a Xmas song…
Started listening to the “Go-Go” podcast tonight and got about halfway through (will resume in the morning).
I was nodding in agreement with so much of what you guys were saying. My church has Wednesday evening services during Advent (as well as Lent). In the past, you could tell the two seasons apart. Nowadays, we use the same sequence of services for BOTH seasons, and neither sequence has anything to do with either Advent OR Lent! It’s just another worship service (that said, the emphasis IS on worship, so it’s not a complete loss). But the opportunity to “prepare” for both events following each season is lost every time we have these services.
This year is no exception. Ironic, given that I belong to a church with the word Advent in its name.
I’m with you guys: BRING BACK ADVENT!
Hey, Al! Glad you’re listening and LOVE the irony!
I’m with you, man. It’s a hard season to keep true to its purpose.