The short season of Advent is rich in liturgy and text. The setting and worship space call us to the season of anticipation in a variety of ways. One way to engage with the season is to fill the baptismal font with objects that call out themes in the day’s scripture readings. (These objects could also be set to the side of the font, on a stand, if replacing the water in the font is not desired.) Placing something new in the baptismal font engages lesser-used senses like smell and touch, and brings attention to the lectionary readings in a new way.
Sunday | Scripture | Object |
Advent 1, November 30 |
Mark 13:24-37: “Keep alert” | Lit candles |
Advent 2, December 7 |
Isaiah 40:1-11: “In the wilderness” Mark 1:1-8: John the Baptist |
Sand |
Advent 3, December 14 |
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11: “A garland instead of ashes” | Pine needles |
Advent 4, December 21 |
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16: “A house of cedar” Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26: “God the rock of my salvation” |
Cedar chips or stones |