The Gift of Advent

Advent is truly a remarkable time of the year – especially this year during the time of the Pandemic. Advent may mean much more to us now than what we often experienced during the Christmas rushes of the past – before Covid-19. Advent is a season of waiting, expecting, and preparing for the celebration of a profound truth – that God loved us so much that God gave us the special gift of Jesus. That thought may give us new hope, however faint, during these difficult times. Jesus showed us a way to live, and he “ruled” with truth, justice, and righteousness. Knowing this, we can have faith that it may be possible to have more peace and justice in our world.

Also, we know that Advent is a gentle, quieting gift on our frenetic journey of life. During this season of waiting and preparing, Advent can help us affirm that God is and will continue to be present in our world today. That affirmation reminds us that as God’s people, we are called to be faithful stewards of what is entrusted to us. We have a responsibility to care for God’s world, to love the Lord our God with all our heart, and to love all our neighbors as ourselves.

As we hope for a better world, perhaps we will remember that we too contribute to the problems of the world. If we realize our own responsibility for what we have done to the world, we will want to become more devoted and committed to making the world a better place as we wait and anticipate the coming of the light.

In his ‘Psalm of an Advent Ear’, Edward Hays wrote: Quiet me within, clothe my body in peacefulness, that your Word once again may take flesh – this time, within me.

Yes, let us open ourselves to the gift of Advent.

* Do you think you contribute to the problems of the world? If so, how?

* How can you prepare yourself for this Season of Advent?

God, thank you for sending your son to earth to show us a better way to live. Forgive us for our greediness, our judgmentalism, and our rigidity. Awaken our hearts in this Advent Season and quiet us to learn to be still, so we can hear your voice. May your Word take residence within us. Amen.

Joy Carol