A SEASON TO SENSE, A SEASON TO SHINE (ADVENT REFLECTIONS 2021)

This year’s Advent Reflections will be an opportunity for us to seek and experience more of the presence of Christ through our physical senses (eyes, ears, mouth, nose, and hands). Each weekday, we will reflect on the hope, peace, joy, and love that God in Christ brings, with a short meditation and an invitation to notice each gift more fully with our bodies and senses as we go about our day. Our intention will be twofold. First, we hope to notice and experience Christ’s presence more often. Then, as we carry this awareness and expectation with us, we hope to become visible bearers of the presence of Christ ourselves.

What small differences might we make if we were to carry a certain expectation or spirit with us each day – to begin our day with a special focus, a light to carry with us? I think of different people who change the atmosphere of the moment simply with their presence. A hopeful person encourages and uplifts my countenance. A peaceful person calms my spirit with gentle serenity. A joyful person makes every occasion more celebratory. A loving person gladly welcomes me, making me feel appreciated and special.  

This Advent, may we become visible bearers of bright hopefulness, gentle peacefulness, radiant joyfulness, and tender lovingkindness. May we serve as beacons of the divine Advent light of Christ, radiating his goodness on all we encounter, as we watch and wait – with all of our senses – once again.

(We will begin our Advent Reflections on the First Sunday of Advent, this Sunday, November 28^th. Our Sunday devotions will include the lighting of the candles on an Advent wreath. If you do not have one, you may simply use five candles; one candle each to represent hope, peace, joy, and love, with the Christ candle in the center. There will be additional reflections each weekday. Saturday will serve as a day to reflect on the week, with no meditation provided.)

Photo by D A V I D S O N L U N A on Unsplash