"Happy New Year" - So to speak

As I walked into the Cathedral and hurried for the 9am Service, hmmm... Something seemed out of the ordinary. And what's up with those floral arrangements which looked like a bunch of ferns?! (no offence!) Oh!!! Advent!!! *Smacks Forehead*

The Season of Advent marks the beginning of the Liturgical year. Starting on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and concluding with Christmas Eve, Advent is the liturgical season of preparation for the second coming of Jesus Christ (and preparation for Christmas celebration of His first coming).

The hangings in the Cathedral, the vestments of the clergy and even our church bulletin are changed to a royal purple - the liturgical colour of Advent. And yes, regarding the bunch of ferns arrangements, like the liturgical use of purple, the use of leaf decorations rather than floral marks the solemn character of this season.

As an Anglican, I am proud of the Anglican heritage & traditions, and coming from a High Church, the liturgy never fails to facinate & excite me. But I think, what's most important is to understand the meaning behind the liturgical activities & traditions, and their connections to the true worship of God, and our relationship with Him.