It seems as if Christmas decorations and gift displays arrive earlier and earlier each year in stores and homes — even before Halloween!
It seems as if our society has forgotten — or perhaps never known — that there is another season before Christmas: Advent.
In an article called “Advent Matters” published on Catholic News Service, Deacon Greg Kandra, who serves in the Diocese of Brooklyn, N.Y., discusses the tendency to merge Advent and Christmas into what he calls “Chradvent.”
Recapturing the season
However, he reminds us that Advent should be observed as a separate season. “Advent sets the stage, calling us to ‘prepare the way,’ building in our hearts a sense of yearning, anticipation, and joyful hope.”
He asks, “How can we recapture the mystery and quiet of this beautiful season? How can we transform the incessant bell-ringing hucksterism into something more like a prayer? How can we make Advent matter?”
Deacon Kandra suggest three ideas, three approaches to these days that can help us experience Advent the way it was meant to be.
• First, look. He suggests we strive to see beyond the early Christmas onslaught to what lies beneath. “Just like 2,000 years ago, we are still a world in waiting. Waiting for salvation. Waiting for sustenance. Waiting for hope. And significantly, we are a world desperately waiting for light.”
Deacon Kandra says the extravagant displays — tasteful or not — do affirm God’s first words in all of Scripture: Let there be light! He says we should see the lights as signs of hope.
• Second, listen. Despite all the sounds of Christmas everywhere, Deacon Kandra suggests that we take time for some silence during Advent. “Turn down the volume. Click off the computer. Turn off the TV. Lower the lights and dim the glare. Work to make this season a time of gentleness, a time of quiet and thoughtfulness and peace. Remember the carol: ‘The world in silent stillness waits to hear the angels sing.’
“Carve out moments in your day to have some of that ‘silent stillness,’ and prayerfully reflect on something besides what you need to order on Amazon for delivery by Christmas.”
• Finally, just let it go. “That anthem from Frozen can offer helpful advice during this stressful time of year. Too busy? Too distracted? Some things can wait. Let it go.”
Advent practices
Adding to the deacon’s thoughts, I would suggest adopting some Advent practices, especially among families.
We always put out an Advent wreath and lit the candles each week in our home. There are prayers for each week that can be found online.
Having an Advent calendar in the home with a religious theme is also a good idea. A family can also start putting out a Nativity scene, adding figures during Advent with the final addition of the baby Jesus at Christmas.
Let’s try to make Advent matter this season. I’m sure it will provide us with a much more spiritually fulfilling Christmas!