It’s that time of year again when rhythms shift, familiar music permeates the airwaves, marketing campaigns vie for our attention (and money), and there are copious amounts of devilishly-delicious baked goods (don’t get me started on the sugar cookies).
But it’s also Advent—a sacred time of tradition that moves to a completely different rhythm and more purposeful way of being.
Derived from the Latin word adventus, the word Advent means “coming” (emerging, appearing, and arriving). And with the spelling and meaning so closely similar to the word adventure (experiences, occurrences, and happenings), I can’t help but ponder the significance of such meaningful words in contrast to the commercialization and consumerism of Christmas culture:
- What experiences could appear if we were to pay attention to The Holy at work in the same way we track our Amazon packages?
- What occurrences might emerge if we were to notice the gifts of presence in the in-between moments of gifts and presents?
- What happenings would arrive if we were to celebrate ordinary wonder amidst the hype of sparkle, twinkle, wrapping and bows?
As we explore the soul work of anticipation this month, and as you sit with the prompts in today’s intermission, ask God what Advent adventure might be sparked in you with anticipation this season?
Even now, as you sit with the word “anticipation” (and the definition below), what stirrings come to mind?
Anticipation: the action of anticipating something; a sense of expectancy, a spirit of hope, a shift of excitement and suspense.
Allow your prayerful heart to ponder this.
-With Joy
A Passage to Pray
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
A Pause to Practice
The following practice is an ancient way of Christian prayer in which space is created to listen and pay attention to the Holy at work by entering into a sacred image. This form of praxis is an invitation into the S.A.C.R.E.D. art of seeing. As you sit with the artwork provided, consider what invitation into rest nudges you.
- Stillness: Find a comfortable place of quiet. Take a few deep breaths. Invite God’s presence.
- Acknowledge: Gaze gently over the entire image, allowing yourself to notice as many details as you can – shapes, colors, lighting, foreground, background, and symbols.
- Center: Notice what captures your attention, what your eyes are drawn to, or where your thoughts linger. Notice what inspires you, and perhaps what you might also be avoiding.
- Reflect: Meditate on any part of the image that has captured you. How might God be speaking to you through this? What might the message and meaning be? Is there an invitation in this for you?
- Express: Find words or a prayer of your heart to articulate the thoughts, emotions, memories, or desires that have awakened. Give voice to the insights you’ve gained.
- Dwell: Savor this sacred time. Rest in simple silence. Linger in the holiness of this space and place of practice.
Click here for a high-res / full-print version of this art.
A Perspective to Ponder
So much happens at Christmas that is big—big events, big spending, big crowds, and big celebration: to which we say, “‘Tis the season!” But these moments are mere punctuation marks that come and go. The story of our lives is written and lived out in the small and simple moments that sustain us long after we’ve put away the tree. Don’t confuse the big moments as more important when it’s the foundation of the ordinary that carries us throughout the year. Perhaps to this we should say, “‘Tis this season.”
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- Click here for previous month’s art offerings
