December 7, 2015

It’s Advent. What Do We Do?

When I was a new Episcopalian, I remember learning how Christmas used to be celebrated only after a healthy dose of 4 weeks of Advent. I had already learned about Lent, a time of sacrifice, preparing for the cross in obedience and giving up something I craved, like chocolate. Not likely to be successful with THAT during the holidays! So, what do I do? What is the church doing?

Lo these many years after my initial questions, I realize I still have some work to do to fully grasp the concept of waiting in expectation for something I know has already occurred. No matter how hard I try to set aside time to meditate in the quiet glow of our Christmas tree (put up well in advance of December 24), my mind wanders as I wonder in front of the crèche… Should I keep the Baby Jesus under wraps until Christmas?

In her book, The Meaning is in the Waiting: The Spirit of Advent, (Paraclete Press, 2009) author Paula Gooder explores Advent with biblical examples of those who have waited, including wisdom-filled thoughts about “why God might want us to get better at it.”

The Salvation story is like a snowball, rolling down a hill and picking up more layers with every revolution, Gooder suggests, from the beginning in creation to God’s many interventions with people:

In Advent, then, we wait for something that has already happened in sure and certain knowledge that it will happen again, and again, and again. It is this certainty that underpins the New Testament concept of hope."    Ibid.

Advent is about the future too, as our readings from Revelation pointedly remind us. Gooder explores this as an opportunity to be aware that we are in a time of in between the beginning of the end and the conclusion of the Salvation story:

This explains why we can have a vision of the world as God yearns for it to be but not the ability to bring it about in full. …we see glimmers of God’s glory in the world but have to wait for the time when that glory will suffuse the whole of creation."  Ibid.

I am enjoying my journey with Paula Gooder’s book this Advent, as it brings new focus to my daily meditations. I have found value in waiting! 

It’s never too late to squeeze Advent reflection time into your prayer life or Sunday Christian Formation classes. If you are looking for “what to do” for Advent, here’s a tip: download ECF Vital Practices’ free Advent Calendar or other resources here to enhance the quality of your wait. 

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