Dear St. James’ Parish Family,
We have entered my favorite season of the church year, Advent. It is a time in which we can build in pauses and deep breaths as the world around us spins faster and faster. Advent is a season of hope and expectation, of reflection and preparation. It points us toward Bethlehem and the birth of a baby, and also towards the fulfillment of God’s reign. In short, it is a time to get ready.
Getting ready is usually an underrated thing. Often a part of our routine, we don’t always pay attention to getting ready – we just do it and then move on to what’s important. But getting ready is essential, and it deserves our attention.
Once upon a time I was a Sunday School teacher. There were two teachers in each class, and for the teacher who sat by the door, part of our job was to stop each student as they entered the room and ask them, “Are you ready?” Are you ready to hear a story? Are you ready to join the circle? Are you ready to make community? A small thing, and it made all the difference. The kids came running to class, feeding off of the frenetic Sunday morning energy of their families (“Hurry up!” – “Get your shoes on!”- “Stop pestering your brother!”), and as joyful as their energy was, inviting them into slowing down, pausing, and taking a breath, helped them be ready for what was next.
That is Advent. It is the pause and the breath as we prepare to come close to the Mystery of Christmas. There are lots of ways to keep Advent in your life and the lives of your family.
One is to make and use an Advent wreath. If you didn’t get a chance to make one at church on November 29th that’s okay, you can still make one (see me for supplies if we still have them, or suggestions on where to get stuff). Use the Advent wreath prayers & devotions booklet we have at church and make it a point to light your candle every morning at breakfast or every evening at
dinner, using the prayers and reflections. Another way to keep Advent is to make time and space in your life for a brief daily meditation. We have devotions you can pick up from church, but there are many other wonderful resources out there. This year I’ve picked up Advent in Narnia by Episcopal priest Heidi Haverkamp. Another favorite is The Womb of Advent by another Episcopal priest, Mark Bozutti-Jones. Check out Church Publishing or Cokesbury online and you’ll find even more. And if something digital is more your speed, I always recommend www.d365.org. It’s not just an Advent thing, but it’s a great way to ground yourself in this season.
Whatever you choose to do, my hope for all of us is that we make a point of getting ready during this season that the church, in all her wisdom, has set aside for us at the beginning of each church year.
Yours in God’s Peace,
Kristin+