Theology Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Theology - Term Paper Example It involves celebrating Gods revelation to humanity through Christ. The Second Advent is characterized by scriptural references with themes majorly inclined to being accountable during his second coming. Judgment of sin and hope of everlasting life is given preeminence in the Second Advent. Advent has deep-rooted focus in the past and the coming future. It is characterized by great symbolism that refers to spiritual journey of individuals and utmost the congregation. The congregation celebrating the advent should be encouraged to do so with hope, anticipation and a spirit of longingnes.They should yearn for deliverance from temptations and evils of the universe. The advent service should start by deliverance to resemble the Israelites who wept out to God to deliver them from bondage in Egypt. The cry of the faithful should rest in the fact that, there is still future hope for deliverance despite being part of a world full of sin and exploitation. The hope by the faithful fills them w ith anticipation that in the near future; a Just King will come whose rule will be marked by righteousness. Themes on anticipation that signifies a new dawn with the royalty of the anointed are to be included in the service. The introduction part of the advent service begins with a song. The song must be relevant to the season and introduce the theme. Songs related to the scriptural readings of the day should be encouraged. ... At this stage, reconciliation is encouraged among the Faithfulls, which signifies that the Christ who is to be born is a prince of peace, and he will bring peace on earth. In the liturgy of the scripture or the word as it is sometimes known, one or even more verses from the scripture are read. The reading can come from the book of psalms. Duration of silence would be observed accompanied by reading from the bible to allow the word to be well understood by the congregation. Preferably in the case of one reading, a verse from the gospels should be read. In liturgy of reconciliation, the minister opens a reconciliatory statement then the congregation joins in. The congregation confesses their sins and prays for those who have wronged them. Musical instruments and the tunes they play should match with the theme of the season. Musical instruments play a great role as they focus thoughts of the congregation on the main theme of the day. A prayer of thanks giving should conclude the Advent service. The prayer gives gratitude to God for His constant love and redemption. The priest concludes the service by blessing the congregation. Words of Gods constant love, care, and protection dominate the blessings. The priest then ends the service by releasing the gathering. He proclaims Gods peace on the congregation. In Barth’s shoes, the advent session service would be a period of fasting and repentance of sins. The service would derive its concept from that of Lent season. When fasting, the congregation is expected to anticipate for good things in future when Christ comes. This should happen even though the return of the Messiah in both Judaism and the Old Testament shows no connection with the aspect of remembering sins. On the contrary, it was marked by