Advent is my favorite liturgical season. It feels like we have a secret, with our pink and purple candles and barren home while Christmas decorations pop up all around us.
Advent is a reminder to be holy, set apart, from the commercialization and secularization of the birth of the King of Kings.
This advent started with my losing my voice thanks to catching a cold which I didn’t let stop me from an amazing trip to Disney.
It’s been interesting to hear the kids more with my voice out of the way. And also see how much more the kids and my husband focus and tune in to hear my whispers.
I’ve been praying to be more gentle and I think this silence is a good step in the right direction. It is humbling to have to wait for others to cease speaking and quiet to start. I can’t impose (unless I clap!) But more interestingly, the longer I’ve gone without a voice, the less I have to say. I find myself noticing and contemplating more than trying to direct the story.
It’s a nice change. It’s easier on my tired, healing body. And it’s reminiscent of the quietly waiting for a miracle to be born. While everything else is seemingly the same, something incredible is happening in a most ordinary way.
Thank goodness we have the seasons to reflect on God’s miraculous story every year. As I get older it’s such a joy to see how this age old story is made new every year!
Let us pray:
Lord Jesus, come into our hearts, quietly as on that silent night
May you find a soft, welcoming heart that nestles you close
One filled with love for you and others
One that you will welcome home at the end!