Seasons

 From a meteorological perspective, autumn ends tomorrow and winter begins on Tuesday.

 

For me the end of autumn marks the end of what has long been my favourite season. That is in part due to the beauty of the colours, the crisp mornings, and the harvest of fruits etc. It also has to do with good memories associated with autumn, especially from my days at university.

 

But the seasons come and go, and we can do nothing to stop that cycle. And I like winter too with the white of the frost and the dark of the nights. And when winter passes I will be ready for spring…

 

‘For everything there is a season…’ says the Preacher-Philosopher (Ecclesiastes 3: 1).

 

And in life too.

 

As I begin the slow countdown of months until I retire, I find myself very content with this season of my life, and looking forward to the new season soon to begin. Indeed, I am content too with the realisation that the season that lies ahead will be one of necessary slowing down (both chosen and enforced) and that this season will have its eventual and inevitable end. All of which is just fine.

 

Today is the beginning of a new season in the Christian Year: Advent.

 

I love Advent with its sense of preparation and anticipation, and also the great themes of waiting, watching, patience, and the reflection on the mysteries of God’s here but not-here realm, the now but not-yet of his rule.

 

And (as I have so often said) the celebration of Christmas is all the more special for me when I allow Advent to be Advent and as I seek to hold off the intrusive Christmas that seeks to invade this season. Contrary to the accusations that are often made against me, this is not because I am a Scrooge or a Grinch – I love Christmas! Nor is it because I am some kind of ‘liturgical fundamentalist’  (yes, that was a serious criticism of me!).

 

But I appreciate seasons, each in their time and turn, and each speaks to me in different ways and I savour and value the worth of each.