The Advent struggle

I’m a bit frantic with Christmas cartoon deadlines, so plase forgive the lack of new cartoon material over the last few days.

I have once again this year observed a number of bloggers determined to observe Advent properly in the face of overwhelming opposition. Take Father Jake as an example:

In every congregation in which I’ve served, I’ve found resistance to my insistance that carols, pagaents, greenings and other Christmas customs not begin until December 24…
…Even though our culture has surrounded us with the sounds and signs of Christmas, it is important that the Church not cave in to this attempt to commercialize this season.

Around here the trees, lights, inflatable snowmen etc are now in full swing. I’m in agreement with Fr. Jake’s sentiments, but I wonder whether attempting to fight this aspect of our culture is like trying to hold back the tide using a piece of cardboard. Especially the thing about not singing Christmas carols until the 24th of December. I the whole Carol service phenomenon as quite a good way to connect with people in the real world, although I can understand why clergy who have to go to ten or fifteen of the things would have less enthusiasm.

Meanwhile Real Live Preacher has his own set of Advent struggles. See Advent Comedy of Errors. Very very funny (Found via Maggi)

Update: I’ve added the cartoon above to We Blog Cartoons, meaning it can be freely re-used on personal blogs if you add a link.