What was supposed to be a fun activity of putting up the tree had taken a turn when the pre-lit branches no longer lit. The tree lay in pieces. Green clips and miniature zip ties were scattered about the worn carpet. The project was making more of a mess and taking more time than we expected.
And perhaps that is the perfect image to hold entering into the Advent season. True for many (good and worthwhile) things in life-- more mess, more time, non-linear and often unexpected outcomes surprise and vex us.
Healing always takes more time than we think it should. Growth is slow. Transformation is very rarely instantaneous. Complications arise; interruptions come. In the midst of this reality, Advent is to be a gift to us.
The stretch of weeks leading up to the celebration of Christmas is an invitation to prepare our hearts and souls. Advent invites us to reflect on what has been, to name what we are longing for, to notice the gifts in the present, and to prepare for the good work that God still wants to do in and through us.
It could be easy to feel like Advent is one more thing to do, to prepare for, to endure or negotiate. But the invitation of Advent is towards less. The kind of preparation Advent calls for is a spaciousness, a quieting, less. Advent is a time of (intentional) waiting, a season of reflection.
As you anticipate and prepare for the Christmas holidays, consider:
What is your favorite thing about the Christmas season?
What feels heavy about these weeks?
What are you waiting for from God?
What do you most need from the season of Advent this year?
A Blessing for Advent
Advent is a gift.
So may you receive
the blessing
of time and space to make ready
Advent is an invitation.
So may you accept
the possibility
of gifts in waiting and pondering
Advent is an opportunity
So may you notice
the nearness
of the sacred One in the midst of the ordinary.
May it be so.
Thank you for this calming time to reflect on Advent.