I am only able to endure the cold weather and snow knowing that Christmas, my favorite holiday, is just around the corner! As I prepare for its arrival, I eagerly anticipate decorating the house and enjoying the season’s bounty. It is time to browse through photos for this year’s Christmas card, update my address book and carefully draft my annual newsletter to keep family and friends updated with the last year’s events. Family recipes passed down for holiday baked goods must be sorted and scheduling for Christmas celebrations at home and out of town must be planned. Shopping lists must be made for Christmas gifts and planning for holiday concerts and events must be done. As Christmas approaches, it is a joyful time filled with hustle and bustle to ensure that all things I enjoy about Christmastime are accomplished.
During the past week, I brought down the boxes of Christmas decorations and dusted them off. With each box I opened, I was overwhelmed by the nostalgic feelings that its contents brought and I reminisced about the holiday seasons of past years. There were a variety of Christmas items unearthed - some glittery, some vintage, some homemade and irreplaceable, each ready for display for weeks to come.
Among the contents of the final box was my Advent wreath and candles, as well as items to decorate the wreath itself – something I was unable to achieve last year. In this moment, I was filled with spiritual emotion that led me to reflect on what this time is truly about – Advent. With its roots from the Latin word for “coming," Advent marks the church’s first season of the liturgical year, which begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas.
As I pondered its meaning, I realized that there is something paradoxical about Advent, as it marks both the beginning and the end. At the beginning we are filled with anticipation as we prepare for the coming celebration of our Lord’s nativity. At the same time, we prepare for the final coming of Christ and remember to make all things whole.
As a child, I remember how Advent brought me such excitement knowing that Jesus’ birth is upon us, which meant Christmas is near. However, as an adult it is evident that I have not yet changed my perspective of this holy season’s significance. Yes, I should be excited for the traditions that Christmas brings; however, too often I allow distractions to cloud my spiritual being and connection to God. In preparation of Advent this year, I have asked myself these questions…
What is my role for Advent and what must I do to prepare?
What must I do differently during Advent this year?
Have I made things whole and am I ready for Christ’s return in the world?
Am I conscious for the coming of Christ or will it take me by surprise?
As I prepare for Jesus’ birth I must look to God and trust His guidance for my salvation with Christ’s return. This Advent season, I have looked to Psalms 146, 7-9 –
He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free, the LORD gives sight to the blind, the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow but frustrates the ways of the wicked.
I must remember that Advent symbolizes the importance of this spiritual time and the traditions that come along with it. We must trust and listen to God, for He will provide us the guidance we need.
In the coming weeks, I wish you many blessings in your spiritual journey this Advent season as we prepare for the celebration for Jesus’ birth.
John David Patrick, Parishioner
