The word “advent” in the English language generally means “to come” or “to arrive,” and is a time of waiting. We use the word in the season before Christmas to prepare our hearts for the celebration around the coming or arrival of Jesus in the Christian faith.
In the US, there is a good deal of busy-ness around purchasing gifts, holiday parties and the like. For me, this season is probably the most anxiety producing. It’s hard to focus on the meaning of Christmas itself when there is pressure to have the right gift, and make sure the family traditions are kept. I feel the anxiety of all the expectations.
For me, the weekly lighting of the Advent candles and devotional readings help to manage my anxiety and bring my attention and awareness to a deeper place. This deepening has special meaning for me this year, as 2018 comes to a close. Last January, the Word For the Year for me was “threshold.” I was anticipating new possibilities with some significant changes at our counseling center. Those changes are finally actually happening after a very long wait.
I sense the coming of this new entryway. It is about to arrive. Just in time for Christmas.
Perhaps you are feeling the same tension between expectations and distractions that work against reflecting on the meaning of the season. Here are some ideas for resources that might help you over the next month, available through Amazon:
—Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas (Bonhoeffer and Dillard)
—-Living Well Through Advent 2018: Practicing Generosity with all your Heart, Soul, Strength and Mind (Living Compass; Kindle edition)
—-Unwrapping the Names of Jesus: An Advent Devotional (Ciuciu)
—-God With Us: Rediscovering the Meaning of Christmas (edited by Pennoyer and Wolfe)
May Advent, a time of waiting and anticipation, be rich reflection for you in the coming days.