I really struggle to rejoice in how the lectionary is arranged for Advent. Perhaps some of you understand what I mean. Historically this season was crafted as a “preseason†to Christmas but the lectionary really does little to explicitly help us get ready for Christmas. We end up with a lot of texts that seem misplaced or focused on the second coming.
And I think I know the reason. I say I think because I do not know for certain the logic of those who crafted the lectionaries we have adapted to our use. But I believe the real problem is that the lectionary is always Gospels-centered (the “s†is intentional). The reading from the Gospels is chosen and then an Old Testament lesson corollary to the Gospel is matched up with it. And when you pick this way, finding texts that are pre-Christmas is hard, especially since the annunciation and visitation have other places on the church calendar. This why we end up with another Palm Sunday and a couple of Sundays of John the Baptist preaching at the Jordan.
It seems to me that for the Advent season it would be better if we let the Old Testament readings run the show. Then we might be afforded more time to consider the Old Testament prophesies about the birth of Christ. Right now we are robbed of these texts in Advent because they do not have a corresponding gospel other than the actual Christmas account.
I understand that Advent is about all of Christ’s comings (Bethlehem, In Word and Sacrament, and in glory). But I just preached about the last day for weeks at the end of the church year. And I talk about the sacraments every week for they come thankfully in every season. I wish I had more opportunity to talk about the prophecies of Christ’s coming in Bethlehem.
I assume there is more reasoning behind the lectionary choices than I know. And I hope some of you might teach me. For now, I just submit to what has been given to me trusting its wisdom. But that doesn’t mean I understand it or even like it.
You thoughts and wisdom are appreciated.
I couldn’t agree with you more. I have thought the same thing for years. I naturally drift toward the prophets in Advent, anyway. Perhaps this is a time to legitimately “free text.”
I see your point, and I think the OT texts do what you want them to do. I think that in our culture, where even in the Church the focus is often on the first coming of Jesus as a baby (which very easily lends itself to empty sentimentality and nostalgia), we could use a little more John the Baptizer, as well as the Second Coming, because that’s where we lack. My thoughts, anyway.