The Christian season of Advent begins next Sunday, November 29. The word “Advent” literally means “coming.” During the season of Advent, or the four weeks leading to Christmas, Christians await the arrival of Jesus. We celebrate the coming of the baby Jesus. We also look forward to the coming of Christ at the end of time. The two comings of Jesus are very much related. While we celebrate the birth of our Savior, we also anticipate Jesus’ ultimate return.
During increasing darkness as the days grow shorter, many of us are beginning to decorate. Advent has always been a favorite time of mine as church sanctuaries are wondrously decorated with lights and trees and wreaths. Candles are added and bows adorn window ledges. We are declaring that even in the midst of the darkness outside, we are eagerly awaiting the coming of Jesus the Light of the World.
While we won't be inside our church sanctuary this year, my family has already started decorating our apartment. Our fireplace mantle is full of candles and stars and a wooden Santa. I have not hung our stockings, though the hooks are there and waiting. Next week, we'll purchase our live Christmas tree. I am anxious this year to begin Advent. I am anxious to find joy in the midst of darkness.
There is literal darkness and also figurative. Many of you may find yourself in darkness: worry about COVID, isolation from friends and family, anxiety during political unrest, pressing financial concerns, or a new illness diagnosis. Advent is a time of expectant waiting. It is a time to press towards hope, peace, joy, and love. It is a time when we proclaim that darkness is not the final word, but that God's light will shine in and through and with us all!
During Advent, I will be posting reflections on the season. I hope you will join me. I also want to offer you additional resources as many of us may be turning towards quiet spiritual reflection during our days at home to bring us closer to light and love.
I will send an email next week inviting you to sign up to receive the devotions from my local church. They are daily devotions that will be sent weekly each of the four weeks.
There are many other resources as well, and I have linked some options below.
Perhaps this year is the year you set intentional time apart to read, pray, and journal. My prayer is that even in the midst of darkness, you and I may find light.
Additional Resources:
1.
Shadow and Light: A Journey into Advent with Tsh Oxenrider
Book Promo: "simple, open-and-go ecumenical guide to lead you through the darkness and daybreak of the Advent season, reading the Psalms as your prayer book."
From Tsh:
"This year, more than ever in our collective memory, we’re craving more life-giving rhythms
& routines in the parts of our life we can control.
We don’t know what the holidays will bring, but we know they will come.
Advent is our invitation to rest in the already-not yet anticipation of the God incarnate,
who will one day right all the wrongs of the world.
And yet he already came, 2,000 years ago, as a helpless baby.
Already, not yet. We live in the middle, where we’re invited to wait with hope."
More information and the opportunity to join a Facebook Community here.
2.
Advent 2020 with She Reads Truth
Scripture and journal books including a scripture calendar for kids.
I bought the 2019 version last year and it was beautifully bound and very open-ended. The illustrations were beautiful and it felt special to hold the book in my hand. There are scripture guides with the premise that God speaks to us when we read scripture and journal our own thoughts. Additionally, there are a few holiday crafts and recipes.
3.
The Western North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church has published their own Advent series. It is a PDF download that encourages quiet reading and reflection. There are no videos, for which I'm grateful, as I think we're all trying to limit our time on devices. There is however an accompanying Advent Spotify playlist that I've been enjoying listening to. It's good to use all of our senses, and I've found it very calming to close my eyes and listen.
Photo by Grant Whitty on Unsplash