Long before Thanksgiving Day, it was Christmas in all the stores. My husband shopped in vain for harvest-colored candles and autumn napkins for our Thanksgiving celebration. That unfortunate holiday of gratitude had been relegated to a meager shelf in the corner of the store. In every aisle, as far as the eye could see, the displays proudly proclaimed CHRISTMAS.
But wait. It isn’t Christmas yet. It is Advent, a season that is all about waiting. Advent is about transition and change. It is about waiting for what will be, but is not yet. Advent is a very human, unsettled season when things have not yet fallen into place. You have probably experienced Advent without ever naming it. If you have
- Anxiously searched for a job
- Moved
- Cared for a sick loved one
- Prayed for someone in recovery
- Or even (like Mary) been pregnant
then you know about Advent. Advent invites us to remember God’s promise to be with us exactly when God is needed most.
Like Thanksgiving, Advent is also not being sold in any store. Fortunately, Advent is easily celebrated in the comfort of our own homes. Think of it as a gift to yourself in this busy season; Advent can offer an antidote to the frenetic pace of endless Christmas. We can pause, light a candle, and reflect on God’s hope and presence.
I would like to encourage you to rest your weary spirit this Advent season by creating your own Advent ritual. You don’t even need a traditional “wreath.” Any five candles will do. Size, shape, and color don’t matter. Electric candles are fine. Arrange them any way you like – in a wreath, a square, vertically – it’s up to you.
I went to our local Goodwill store to find ways to create my Advent display. Everything pictured here cost $10.
Advent begins on December 2nd. On that first Sunday of Advent, light one candle and reflect on how even the smallest light can entirely change the reality of darkness. During the week, find opportunities to light that candle again. Whether you celebrate Advent as you eat your breakfast cereal or just before you go to bed doesn’t matter. What is important is intentionally making time to pause and remember that God promises to be “Emmanuel,” which means “always with us.”
During the first week of Advent, you are invited to
LIGHT a candle. Consider how you can be a messenger of hope.
READ Scripture: Isaiah 9: 2-7, Luke 1: 5-25, Matthew 1: 18-26. Don’t have a Bible? You can read any Scripture here.
PRAY for those who need hope today.
LISTEN to a favorite Advent or Christmas song (and try to sit down while you do this; don’t multi-task. Cherish a few moments and fill your spirit with beauty).
I wish you the hope and joy of Advent.
fosteringyourfaith 