The Season of Waiting
Advent begins in darkness. The days are short, the nights are long, and we light candles to push back the gloom. This is fitting, for Advent is about waiting in darkness for the Light of the World.
The word "Advent" comes from the Latin adventus, meaning "coming." We await a threefold coming of Christ: His coming in history (Christmas), His coming in mystery (in the sacraments and in our hearts), and His coming in majesty (at the end of time).
Waiting is hard. We live in a culture of instant gratification, where waiting seems like wasted time. But Advent teaches us that waiting has value. In waiting, we learn patience. In waiting, our desire grows. In waiting, we make room for God.
Advent Practice: Set up an Advent wreath in your home. Light one candle the first week, two the second, and so on. Let the growing light remind you that Christ, the Light of the World, is coming.
đź“– Scripture
Isaiah 9:2 - "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone."
🙏 Prayer
Lord Jesus, Light of the World, I wait for You in the darkness of this season. Increase my longing for Your coming. Help me to use this Advent well, preparing my heart to receive You at Christmas. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.