NOTE: Throughout the Advent season, we’ll post a reflection on the readings for the upcoming Sunday in Advent just a few days before so individuals and groups can reflect in anticipation or incorporate it into their meetings, homilies, etc. The reflection will be available on our homepage through the weekend and then archived on our Advent 2024 webpage.
The reflection below is written by Leslye Colvin for this year’s Advent reflection booklet. The booklet is still available for purchase at this link as an immediate download for your tablet or e-reader for $4.00.
By Leslye Colvin
Jeremiah 33: 14-16 | 1 Thessalonians 3:12 – 4:2 | Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
Today, the liturgical new year begins with the Season of Advent inviting us to pause, prepare, and wait so that we may bring forth the Christ where we are – here and now. By doing so in prayer and discernment, we and those we encounter may come to recognize the mystery of God’s love in the unexpected.
Ponder the invitation to pause, prepare and wait. How do you understand the meaning of the terms? Do you see them as three separate actions? Is it possible that they are woven together? The strength of this braid is exercised at our core when we face uncertainty and unknowing.
The liturgical calendar is intriguing and constant as it accompanies us through our lives. Life, unlike the liturgical calendar, includes experiences of uncertainty and unknowing. We use calendars and other instruments to plan and chronicle our journey but there are factors beyond our control. The perceived stability of knowing and certainty is assuring but not written in stone. Life happens.
Advent reminds us of this. For centuries Isaiah, Jeremiah and other prophets foretold the birth, life and suffering of Christ Jesus. This Advent, may we pause to ponder and discern how we can bring Christ to others even amidst the uncertainties and unknowing of our own lives.
We enter the season with the words of Jeremiah, the prophet: “The days are coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and Judah. In those days, in that time, I will raise up for David a just shoot; he shall do what is right and just in the land.” (Jeremiah 33:14-15)
Have you taken a walk and been surprised to notice new life from what appeared to be a dead stump? Have you observed a chrysalis hanging under a leaf, or the tiny egg-filled nest of a hummingbird? Do you remember the details of that unexpected moment? Was there a sense of curiosity, hope, or awe? How many others passed the same place without noticing the new life?
We often encounter anew the compassion and mercy of the Most High God through our unique lived experiences and personal observations. With this in mind, can we ponder our faith journey this Advent? It may help expand the horizon of our compassion, fine tune the depth of our mercy, and release the burden of shame.
Maybe this year’s Advent wreath could include a braided wreath to remind us to pause, prepare, and wait.
>> For more Advent resources and reflections, click here.
Thank you for sharing thoughts for Advent
Could you make the print BOLD TYPE for us who have
AMD. so difficult to read.