Advent: HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Advent Wreath by Maureen Moffatt. Used with permission

            Advent is my favourite season of the church year, as we celebrate that joy-filled anticipation of the now-and-not-yet.

            There are many ways for this season to be honoured... and I don't mean the frenzied buying-wrapping-baking-cleaning of pre-Christmas prep.

            While consumerism seems to be creeping in to this anticipatory time, from calendars to candles to 'meditative countdowns', as Christians we are invited to retain our focus on daily preparing ourselves: not for one miraculous day, but for every miraculous day.

            As some traditions invite us to focus on a different theme each day or week, it becomes our privilege to carry the learning from that theme with us throughout the day and beyond. If, for example, a wreath encourages us to focus our attention on hope, faith, joy, and peace, then we can challenge ourselves to dig deeper into those symbolic meanings: not just 'where did I feel hope today' but 'how can I inspire hope in those around me' and 'why is hope important in my community'?

            The traditions that we have around us come from somewhere, and have evolved to mean much to us. Perhaps part of our journey can be to learn where these traditions came from, and what their purpose is; and then to discern how we can respond to the root of the symbol in meaningful ways for our lives today.

            After all, Advent is a season of expectation, not of what will be given to us, but of how we can engage with one another. It is in and through our interactions that we can share that anticipation and truth of the season. As we pray our O Antiphons asking our Lord Jesus to come soon, we put our prayers into action to demonstrate an eager and committed faith.