I love me some Advent! By the time this writing reaches distribution, we’ll be within a halo’s toss of the start of Advent (November 29th). In full disclosure, I’ll let you know that I’ve restrained myself from going out and buying a whole boat-load of those purple-ish string lights that people have taken to using for All Hallow’s Eve (aka…”Halloween”) decorations and hoarding them until the day after Thanksgiving. Then I picture myself covering the extremities of my domicile with them. While the insanity of “black friday” wreaks havoc, I’d be festooning purple lights and evergreen garland. Maybe some huge candles on the front porch in violet and rose. Ahhh the color of it all!
However, alas….I’m a coward. I’m driven to this fantasy every year at this time and every year I chicken-out. “The Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” What usually happens at my house is Thanksgiving comes and goes and we bring out a lovely little ceramic Advent wreath (hand-thrown by a potter friend), wrap some artificial pine limbs and a cone or two around it and add the standard candles and a booklet of the daily readings. These items are unceremoniously set on the dining room table and the early morning ritual of reading and a short meditation begins for the season. What I REALLY want to do is shout from the front porch that HE IS COMING! I want to ascetically repent in conspicuous humility using loud purple decorations. Kinda counter to the spirit of Advent huh?
Well, no worries. The lack of fan-fare shouldn’t be interpreted as a lack of enthusiasm. Rather, I hope it signals a reflection of the humble arrival of Him in the stable. Although His appearance was announced by a multitude of heavenly hosts and their glorious Gloria sung at deafening decibels and never mind that the entire astrological make-up of the sky was arranged just for Him for an entire two years before He got here! No, no….no such excitement for me. I’ll quietly read my daily devotional, at the dining room table and express my gratitude in a more fitting way. (Insert sad sigh here)
Seriously though, I do love this season and struggle as I might to contain my elation, the truth is the real celebration will come in its due time… starting on Christmas Day, through the Octave of Christmas and 12 Days of Christmas and the Feast of the Epiphany and further. The colors will change from penitent purple to glorious gold and regal red and eternal emerald. Then, my friends, we’ll celebrate as the ordered seasons provide, with gladness and joy and wine and food and family and friends; in concert with the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church and all of Christendom. Meanwhile… I’ll anticipate, pray and hope.
May God continue to guide your head, hands and heart.
Gaudete in Domino Semper!
