Waiting in Joyful Hope

Advent is my favorite time of year. The Christmas lights come out, the Christmas Tree goes up, wreaths are hung, the nativity scenes are set, and the advent wreath takes its place in our prayer space. The house is filled with sparkling lights, joy, delicious smells, holiday music and with anticipation of Christmas celebrations. But waiting is hard. Waiting is not our strong suit. In our home, with 3 small children, waiting is very hard. Once they start seeing presents under the tree, the wait seems long for the night they can open their gifts. Our culture, our world is no different. We like things to be done quick and with urgency. Hopeful anticipation is a foreign concept to many in a world that expects quick relief and solutions. It can be easy to short-change this season of Hope, especially during a pandemic. 2020 has brought some pain, grief, sickness, loneliness, sorrow into our lives and we may be tempted to jump straight into celebrating Christmas to find some joy during these crazy times. We need to take time to reflect on our need for longing, hoping and trusting. We need time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ in new ways. We need this time of waiting to reflect on how the coming of Christ will make our lives more joyful. Let us have the courage to wait in joyful hope. Don’t skip advent. This season take up one Advent tradition with ardor and eagerness. Pick a tradition that is meaningful to you.  Find out how it started and what it means. Allow the Spirit to re-ignite the flame in your heart and let it remind you that this time of waiting is much more. This time is full of God’s promise of

Hope as we prepare for the arrival of the Messiah. “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 31:24)

Need some ideas for what to do for Advent?  These are some of the things that we are doing in our family:

• Use the Faith at Home Resource to reflect on each of the Sunday’s in Advent
• Check out the LA Catholics Advent 2020 page for ideas, reflections, videos, etc.
• Loyola Press has activities, prayers, reflections and much more!
• Dynamic Catholic Best Advent Ever – get reflections emailed to you daily
• Faith & Family Collective Advent Family Activity Kit: For $6.00 everything you need to reflect on the members of the Holy Family and what they can teach us during this holy season!

Be creative and do what works for you and/or your family!