A Late "Friday Five" on Advent

Rev Gal Songbird says, "Although it comes as late as it can this year, Advent is upon us. Some of us grew up observing it, while to others (including this childhood Baptist) it was even more foreign than Lent!" This childhood Baptist and adult AG girl concurs.

Here are her five questions (and my five answers) about Advent for this week's Friday Five.

1) Do you observe Advent in your church?

Yes, not because very many Assemblies of God Churches do, but because I learned about Advent from my mother-in-law and then my former pastor observed it. I loved it immediately, so I instituted an Advent observance when I arrived at my current church several years ago. I hope others have enjoyed it too.

2) How about at home?

Not every year. Occasionally we do. And we did purchase those little Advent calendars when our children were small.

3.) Do you have a favorite Advent text or hymn?

Yes, which I will be using Sunday and then posting, so you will have to check back in!

4) Why is one of the candles in the Advent wreath pink? (You may tell the truth, but I'll like your answer better if it's funny.)

Because I look pretty in pink, of course. Most of us lady clergy look pretty in pink, don'tcha know? I'm sure it was a female who started that sweet pink candle thingy. Haven't you heard we are out to feminize the church? (Oooh, [giggle] guess I shouldn't have let that slip.)

5) What's the funniest/kitschiest Advent calendar you've ever seen?

My M-I-L, years ago, bought me one where the little doors for the days were Norweigan trolls. I can still see it in my mind. I had no idea what Advent was, and here was this bazarre little calendar with -- uh--trolls? Makes me grin to remember.