Advent has always felt like an unusual time for me. After spending years of studying in high school and college for final exams and projects in the weeks leading up to Christmas, I have always felt a sense of stress and urgency during this season. Not to mention, after celebrating the Feast of Christ the King and Thanksgiving, it feels unnatural to shift from a time of warmth, merriment, and celebration to a period of silence, anticipation, and darkness.
This year has felt no different. With seasonal events and services popping up on the Newman University Church calendar, there has been plenty to keep us House of Brigid members busy. Even as the sun rises later and sets earlier in Ireland, I feel the days passing quicker; the pull into darkness more gradual.
Despite my discomfort with this season, I am reminded of the annual Advent wreath. As the four candles, three purple and one pink, stand tall surrounded by evergreen boughs next to the alter, I can’t help but fix my attention in anticipation of how it will look once it’s lit.
However, Advent is not about lighting each candle straight away. As I wait with impatience for each candle to be lit, the weeks of Advent to pass, and for Christmas to come, I am learning that Advent isn’t merely a time of darkness, but a time to reflect on the hope, peace, love, and joy that is to come.
While work events, services, and the holiday festivities carry on, this holy season of Advent is teaching me to be still, and prepare a place in my daily life and heart for the Lord to occupy—one that doesn’t need to be perfect, but just needs my trust.
As Psalm 46 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Be still and know, Sammie. All will be well.
The Lord is coming.
