Preparing our hearts

I've always loved the season of Advent, with all of its anticipation and excitement distilled into quiet and stillness. It is a still point in the turning world that is the holidays, providing reminders and practices to slow ourselves down and focus on what we're doing. My kids think I take this too much to extremes, delaying our Christmas tree and carols as long as possible. It's true, I do often complain about evidence of Christmas appearing too soon or too commercially. I took particular exception to the ice cream van rolling by our house on November 11 (Veterans Day!) playing "Silent Night" on its tinny loudspeaker. I let my own need for quiet preparation make me cranky about others' celebration. I admit it. 

That said, I think there's a great deal of good in taking our time about this season. We don't get much opportunity for delayed gratification in our culture these days. The celebration of the 12 Days of Christmas is sweeter for the waiting. But even more important, Advent invites us to be honest about the needs of our hearts: the empty moments, the darkness around us, our anxiety and fearfulness. And with that awareness, we can be readier to welcome the great joy, the deep peace, the light shining in the darkness: Emmanuel, God With Us. 

One way to keep Advent is with the Advent wreath. Go to this link for ideas on how to create an Advent wreath for yourself; along with prayers you can use at home: https://www.stfrancispaumavalley.org/advent.