In recent years, Advent’s penitential beginning as a “little Lent” has diminished in the frenzy that begins when Halloween costumes are replaced by Christmas decorations on store shelves.  It hits full stride on Black Friday, when merchants hope to make the year profitable, as the day following Thanksgiving brings out shoppers to put their finances  “in the black” for the year.

In the midst of this onslaught, the themes of Advent keep us grounded and centered. Expectation...anticipation...preparation...and longing, guide us through the chaos of the marketplace and our conflicted feelings on campus, as next week’s final tempers our longing for Christmas to come quickly.

At its best, the church is a place where truth is spoken. These meditations are each author’s effort to name or point to what is true: in the lesson of the day, the season, and in his or her faith journey. They seek to be real, authentic, and true.

The cost is $2.00 which includes shipping and handling and may be ordered from Melissa Harewood at the Episcopal Church Center, 815 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017 or mharewood@episcopalchurch.org or call (212) 716-6376. Make checks payable to NCC and put ELMC/Higher Education Advent in the memo line. Guides will be shipped upon receipt of your check. Orders will be accepted until November 21.