Advent :: Parishioner Reflection

Soon after Halloween and the 2024 elections, I unearthed my wooden Advent wreath. It sits plainly on the dining room table on a Thanksgiving-themed runner. It’s metaphorically off stage, waiting for the turn of seasons and for Advent’s curtain to rise.

I wondered why so early a start, why so eager to get that thing out, clean off last year’s wax, and “sort of” get ready for Advent. It occurred to me that 2024 has been a five-star rollercoaster ride, and I was seeking the normal, the quiet of looking at a flame, then the being in the Advent prayers. I was ready for Advent ahead of the calendar!

I began reading Year C Advent offerings, and what did I find? I found what seemed like an eternal checklist for humanity’s troubles, and yearnings for God.

Right from the start, the readings telescope the time from our early Christian forebears to the present. The Collect for Advent 1 is a prayer asking God to give us grace to cast away the works of darkness. We ask God to give us grace in a lot of our prayers, though this year it seems like an essential first step. I need God’s grace, right here, right now, not just as a balm for my 21st century woes, but to help me step into a condition of being able to welcome a savior into my life. At this point I can barely imagine doing anything but staring at a flame.

Psalm 25 continues the plea for help, not just for grace, but some specifics. The psalmist asks God to teach us, show us, lead us, guide us, and to especially remember that God loves us even when we go far away from God’s love.

So, make a check beside the collect, and another check beside the psalm. I’m not meditating on Jeremiah. The prophetic voice is way too heavy just now. The New Testament and Gospel selections offer help. Paul’s message is full of gratitude, joy, and hope. Paul says, “How can we thank God enough for you….?” I read those words as Advent practices. Gratitude and thankfulness, joy and hope from a relationship with God and our companions will be my lens while I look at the candle’s flame this Advent. I’ll be asking myself these questions as I read, pray, and watch. Where and when do I know gratitude, thankfulness, joy, and hope? Do I practice these things for the benefit of myself and others? Do I get it that these are necessary to receive Jesus? I will remember Luke says to be on guard lest the worries of life dissipate me. I know what that is all about! So, when I add greenery, a booklet, and light a candle, I will remember that I can expect the unexpected, and because I know how the story ends, I can claim unexpected joys during Advent.

JoAnn Giannini, St. Paul's Parishioner