Chronos and Kairos

by Bob Setzer, Jr.
The Advent wreath that graces our sanctuary is a gift to our church and the great Church from the Lutherans of 16th century Germany. They first began the custom of twisting fir or spruce branches into a wreath graced by candles. The Advent wreath came to America by way of German immigrants. It was and is a special way to mark the passage of sacred time.

The New Testament uses two Greek words for time: Chronos and Kairos. Chronos is the ticktock time of a clock; it is the seconds and minutes of the day marching resolutely on. Our words "chronology" and “chronograph” derive from this root.

The other New Testament word for time is Kairos. Kairos time is time brimming with significance. It is the kind of time embodied in the phrase, "I had the time of my life!" Kairos time is precious. Chronos time is monotonous, forgettable, and fleeting.

The Advent wreath marks chronos time, even as it invites us to experience kairos time. On the one hand, there is the routine of lighting a candle, Sunday by Sunday. But on the other, the glittering gold stand holding the wreath, the candles' flickering flames, the singing of "O Come Let Us Adore Him," all awaken us to the holiness of the season. During Advent, the church is not just marking time or "killing" time. The church is on a pilgrimage to Bethlehem.

This Sunday, the fourth Advent candle will be lit, meaning the holiest of nights is drawing near. The fourth Advent banner, "Love," will bear its silent witness as will the poinsettias, signifying the blood red love of God. Then the congregation will erupt in singing, "Joy to the World!" The children will rush forward for the children's sermon with more than their usual anticipation. The chancel choir, still basking in the glow of last Sunday’s glorious Cantata, will offer its heartfelt Alleluias. And Jonathan Johnson will raise the roof with his stirring rendition of “O Holy Night!”

Yes, this Sunday, the Advent journey will draw near its end. Then on Christmas Eve at 5 p.m., friends and family will come to the top of Poplar one last time this Advent season. For that night, the candle of candles will be lit, the Christ candle signifying the Light of the World. And at last, all the waiting and watching will bear fruit as we hold our candles aloft and sing, "Silent Night." As twinkling light and sweet song fill the sanctuary, the faithful will feel in their hearts and souls and in the very marrow of their bones, that at last, the moment of kairos has come: "For in the fullness of time, God sent forth his Son, born of woman" (Galatians 4:4). And in the wonder of that moment, the dull monotony of ordinary time will be consumed by the glory of the Eternal One, coming to dwell among us.