AdventJourney - Day 8

Reflection

In our popular culture, we have a tendency to jump straight from Halloween to Christmas. We are thrust directly into a season of consumeristic decadence, through Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. The Christmas music begins to play; “The12 Days of Christmas” is used as a marketing strategy to countdown to Christmas Day. In all this hustle and bustle, where did the Advent season go?

Advent is the beginning of the Church Year. It is important to remember that the Christian calendar is set up in such a way that our seasons of feasting is typically preceded by seasons of fasting and penance. It is instructive for us, teaching us about the necessity of repentance, self-discipline, and the necessity of responsibly enjoying Gods good creation. Advent, then, is a season of somber and sobering reflection that prepares us to celebrate with joy the Feast of the Nativity.

Prayer

Dear Lord, through the darkness we look for your wisdom. Help us to be awake and aware of the radiance you bring to our lives. Help us to be grateful each day for family and friends. Let us look forward in hope, and turn to you with great trust, knowing you will guide our steps along the unknown path of this day. This we pray in Jesus name. Amen.

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Image credits:

AdventJourney photo: Morning mystic - Casey Horner on Unsplash