Advent Anticipation

Oh Advent!

Season of prayer and preparation.

Season of watching and waiting.

Season of patience and perseverance.

Season of anticipation and alertness.

I love Advent!

But I lament how it has been overtaken by premature Christmas celebration!

I prefer to dip into the ancient wisdom and intention of this season as a time of reflection and – indeed – repentance.

Although the penitential intent of this Season has been lost (and was never as significant as Lent) it is nonetheless a very important part of Advent, as indicated by the Lectionary’s rather awkward references to John the Baptist on the second and third Sundays of this season (one of the few instances when I think that the Lectionary planners must have had an early or long lunch!)

But I do try and take seriously the penitential intent of this season.

Not in the committed self-denial of Lent, but in terms of reflecting upon my life and my discipleship, and pondering how prayerful or prepared I am for the coming of the Lord.

This Advent I have been reflecting upon my life in relationship with others... as a Husband, as a Father, as a Friend, as a Minister, as a Child of God.

This is not all negative! There is much to celebrate. But also some forgiveness and healing required. And always the need to turn again, and seek God’s grace and strength to live and act and follow more faithfully.