On the Night Before Advent
As I type these words, I am sitting in front of our fireplace with a hot cup of coffee, ready to welcome in the weekend. This is unusual for me on a Friday. I am usually hectically trying to tick all the boxes so I can get home and be present to my family. A productive day at work has enabled me to have this little corner of space to sit and ease myself into this first weekend of Advent. What a gift.
As much as I love the anticipation and magic that arrives with the month of December, I also feel the weight of the to-do lists, deadlines, and trying to make this season memorable for my family. The wonder of fresh fallen snow, the soft glow of lights, and joy of Christmas music can often be replaced by the heaviness that comes from feeling the pressure to do all the things and to enjoy every magical moment. (Right?!)
So much of this weight I feel is just from the cultural pressures of Christmas, let alone trying to create space to actually celebrate Jesus, the real reason we celebrate in the first place.
Oh friend, I know that its busy. I know that this season can feel overwhelming. I also know that for a lot of us, this season can be incredibly painful. In the many celebrations that will be had in upcoming days, those of us who are grieving or struggling can feel very alone. Perhaps our cultural Christmas season doesn’t have room for that pain, overwhelm, or struggle. But Advent? There is room for all of that. All of you. Right here.
As I read a recent email from my friend Ann Voskamp, she reminded me of this:
“The real wonder of Christmas is that we don't have to make Christmas magical – when we simply enter into the wonder of what's Scriptural.”
(Okay. Yes, it was a mass email, and no we don’t actually know each other. But if we did, I swear we would be friends.)
Doesn’t all of you just sigh in relief when you read Ann’s words?
Advent is like the gift of an early ending work day complete with a roaring fire and hot coffee ready just for you. It is the invitation to come and be warmed by the fire of God’s presence, to be present to your own soul, and to posture yourself in wonder as you reflect on God’s Word to us through Scripture, and the Word made flesh that arrived so many years ago. This time set aside throughout Advent is a gift that eases us into Christmas, and readies our hearts to celebrate the first coming of Jesus while looking ahead to the second.
So, over the next four weeks, I will meet you right here each Sunday throughout Advent. I invite you to set aside a specific time each week with a hot drink, cozy blanket, and an open heart. May God meet you in wondrous ways this Advent season.
— Jalene
P.S.
Want these devotionals sent directly to your inbox? Be sure to sign up for my mailing list!
