An Advent Reflection

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned. […] For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this”. – Isaiah 9:2, 6,7

Advent is my favorite liturgical season. Advent occurs the four weeks proceeding Christmas. Advent is a time of preparation for Christmas. But, rather than a focus on gift-buying, tree trimming, holiday parties, and cookie baking, the focus is on prayer and meditation. Advent is about turning our eyes and hearts towards Jesus. Advent is about slowing down and remembering that Christmas is about celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, the Christ. Jesus is truly the reason for the season. Advent is about looking back to the first time Christ took on flesh and came into this world AND about looking forward to Christ’s return. And so we wait.

We wait for the fulfillment of Isaiah 9: 2, 6. 7. We wait for the fulfillment of peace … true peace. But, I have to be honest. Sometimes it is hard to wait — to wait for the end of discrimination, to wait for justice, to wait for oppression to cease, to wait for weapons to be turned into plowshares. It is hard to wait. But wait we must.

• While we wait — we keep fighting for justice.
• While we wait — we keep naming the brokenness in our communities ad within our selves.
• While we wait — we treat our wounds and take time to rest.
• While we wait — we keep the faith.
• While we wait — we celebrate both small and big victories
• While we wait — we do the work, we walk the walk.