By Cathy Lynn Grossman
USA TODAY
Evangelical Christians are adopting–and adapting–the rituals of Advent, the four weeks leading up to Christmas that are traditionally celebrated by Catholics, Lutherans, Eastern Orthodox and other liturgical churches.
They’re giving a new, personalized spin to the prayers, candles and calendars to track the building excitement, and set a spiritual tone day by day. This year Advent begins on Sunday.
Popular evangelical authors are offering readings and composing prayers for the Advent season. And Family Christian Stores, the nation’s largest Christian retailer with 301 stores nationwide, has seen sales of Advent-related items climb 35% in the past year….
Evangelicals may have avoided or discarded Advent traditions in the past as “too formal, too Catholic,” says Wright, whose blog, Pursuing Truth, offers Advent resources. “But we have found it a way to connect more deeply with our Christian history and heritage.” Click here to read more. (link removed by source)
To understand the significance of this story, read the following:
Home to Rome by Roger Oakland
Another Jesus by Roger Oakland
Wesley Theological Seminary and Contemplative Lauren Winner Promote Advent (link removed by source)
Feeling Renewed By Ancient Traditions by Washington Post Cites Lighthouse Trails:
“It is the same style of meditation that is basically being performed by Eastern religion practitioners … It’s being presented as Christianity, and we’re saying this isn’t Christianity — not according to what the Bible says. . . . We believe it really does deny the gospel message.”
