November 27-December 23: Advent
Advent
When we think of Advent, do you begin to sweat because it means four weeks until Christmas? Or do you sit back and enjoy the season? When I taught Godly Play in the past, I loved telling the Advent story in its original four-part series. I loved remembering the Prophets, Mary and Joseph, the Shepherds, and the Magi. Not much attention is given to the Prophets or the Shepherds the night Jesus was born. We mainly focus on Mary and Joseph; way after Christmas, the Magi get their special day.
Let's talk about each week and what they represent. In the first week, we remember the Prophets. As I plan for each Sunday's readings, I am often reminded how much the authors of the Bible had everything laid out for them and how it all ties together between the Old and New Testament and the Gospels. A few weeks ago, we heard the story of Daniel, knowing that Michael would come and protect us. Michael is not even mentioned in the Old Testament except for Daniel. How did the Prophets of the Old Testament know who would go and what their roles would be? During Advent, how can you let the Prophets speak to you, and how can you show them the way?
Mary and Joseph are remembered in the second week of Advent. We remember their journey and how they have turned away from home after home until they found their way to the inn with the stable. I love witnessing the story of Las Posadas, where the couple portraying Mary and Joseph go house to house searching for a place to have Jesus. When I think of this, I often do not believe I would be so accepting of letting a strange man and his pregnant wife into my home.
I think of the refugees who are experiencing what many of the Israelites went through. They flee their hometown for a safer place, only to be turned away and lost in the desert. It makes me wonder what we are doing for those close to us who have no family to go to. How can you make your house a warm, welcoming place for those seeking a loving home for the Holidays?
Then we have the Shepherds out the night Jesus was born and heard the Angels sing. "Hark, the Angels sing!" comes from the night they listened to the Angels announcing Jesus' birth. Today we have TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Email to reveal what is going on in our lives, yet so many people miss it. While we can reach a broader range of people, what about the loved ones close to us? How do we celebrate the good news close to home? How can you share the word of the Angels with loved ones?
Finally, we have the Three Kings, the Magi. They traveled to see the baby Jesus in the barn among the animals and brought him gifts fit for a king. When we go to parties, parents often say your presence is the only present we need. Often our children have more than they will ever need, but how do you think that Jesus used the gifts of frankincense, myrrh, and gold as a baby? Each item was a unique symbol related to Jesus' ministry. But what would a baby do with each of those? This Holiday season, think of what you are giving. Are you giving to provide or offering something meaningful that your child/ren will remember for a lifetime?
As we embark on the Holiday season, let us remember how to stay the course and the reason for the season. Yes, I realize how easy it is to type this, but try to live it too.
Books to prepare yourself for Advent and Christmas:
An Adult Christ at Christmas by Raymond E. Browne Coming Christ in Advent by Raymond E. Brown
Loyola Press' Website to all things Advent
Loyola Press Daily Email during Advent