It is that time of the season where I have a tendency to jump ahead. To move to the crazy pace of all that I may feel I need to do for Christmas. Today is a time of the Advent season, tomorrow will be as well.
The season of Advent, in our Liturgical year, calls us to be present to the journey of drawing near to God. As we light the candles of the Advent wreath, we have a visual reminder of the day’s past, the days left until Christmas and the growing light of Christ the candles symbolize.
Have you ever found yourself in these weeks, looking at your Advent wreath to realize you have not yet lit a few candles? Perhaps you even forgot to bring out the Advent wreath! There is time. There is time to stop and remember the days of preparation we have left.
Advent provides a time and opportunity to repent for the past and make changes for the future. It is a journey of faith.
The season of Advent is a time to be mindful of what we wait for in our lives of faith. To remind us to slow down, focus on each day and to not get too busy. It provides us a time to be aware of what really should matter in our lives.
I am hopeful to embrace and be more attentive to these final days of Advent. I am hopeful to take the time to embrace the possibilities of these days prior to Christmas.
How are we honoring these final days of Advent? How might we find ways to slow down to embrace the opportunities to connect with family and friends?
Where might we set time aside to attend and be with others at tree lightings, baking events, concerts and simply enjoying the sights of Advent and Christmas?
How might we reach out to those hurting this Advent? How might we be called to share what we have with others?
Mary and Joseph were foreigners traveling in a strange place and preparing to welcome their son, Jesus. Where do we recognize those around us that may be in a strange place, a place that may not feel like home?
In these final days of Advent, as we prepare the way of the Lord, let us not forget to live in the moments of Advent as well.
May your final Advent days be touched with the awareness of the opportunities this season.
There still is time, let us prepare the way of the Lord!
Believe n Love, Geralyn
Geralyn Nathe-Evans has been called to the vocations of wife, mom, Lay Ecclesial Minister, nurse and friend.