We in the Christian faith are in the second week of Advent. I am interested and respectful of all faiths and spiritual traditons, but my core spiritual base is Christianity, and I LOVE the Advent season.
Advent is the 4 weeks preceding Christmas, and begins on the Sunday nearest Nov. 30th (The Feast of St. Andrew) The word Advent means "The coming" and serves as a time of spiritual reflection and renewal. It is also symbolic of the anticipation of Christmas which to Christians, is when HOPE entered into the human experience.
Advent has been observed since the fourth century, with Christians around the world lighting candles each Advent Sunday. The Advent candles represent HOPE, PEACE, LOVE, JOY and the last candle, of course, represents EMMANUEL --which means-- GOD WITH US.
I hate to sound like a grandmother here, but I have to say it. I love the Christmas season, but I believe that many people miss out on so much by focusing so exclusively on all the frosty/rudolph/santa stuff. Dont get me wrong, I love all that stuff too! Believe me, I decorate trees, make christmas cookies, and watch every Christmas special that comes on( The year without a santa clause is my fav by the way--"I'm mister snow mizer...I'm mister cold...I'm mister white christmas...........I'm mister 30 below......) But this is the season when I feel most thankful for my faith, and most sure that there are bigger and more beautiful, mystical workings in the Universe. I suppose maybe its all the talk about peace, hope, and joy! --- Because my faith is what makes those things possible for me.
When I go to church.......really any time of the year.........but ESPECIALLY during Advent and Christmas........ something about the smell of the wooden pews.......and the soft flicker of candlelight, and the voices that soar to the roof of the church, and land gently on my shoulders.
I find that I am surrounded by beauty, cradled by hope, drifting in peace, and filled with God.
Leave a comment about your favorite holiday traditions--Christian or not----I'd love to hear whats special about the season for you!
No comments:
Post a Comment