The season of Advent sometimes seems in danger of being eclipsed by Christmas. A consumer culture teaches us that we should never have to wait, but that anything can be had at any time. Advent goes against the grain with its messages of preparation, attention and waiting, a reminder that now is not everything, an assurance that now is not the only time.
From the celebration of Saint Nicholas on 6 December to 'Little Chistmas' on 6 January, a wealth of customs helps us to train ourselves in these virtues, but some of the practices that have developed - and our habits - can distract us. Advent is a time to be present to ourselves, the better to notice God's presence among us.
Part of our prayer this Advent might be asking for the grace to live with the things that don't balance out as we would like, an acceptance of the blessings that have come our way. The graces of wisdom and insight are evident in the stories of Advent and Christmas. Isaiah, John the Baptist, Joseph, Mary and the Magi all bring their words to us, that we may learn who we are, both here and now, and as people who are called to journey on in hope.
This Advent, be present.
Piaras Jackson SJ
Editor, Sacred Space
you can check out the site here: http://www.sacredspace.ie/latestspace/
so as Fr. Piaras hopefully exhorts.. let us be present during the season of advent[and hopefully appreciate Christmas even more]. Pretty late post,hehe, but better late than never.
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