Advent Arrives

Here we are, the first Sunday of Advent, when we're still eating the leftovers from Thanksgiving or maybe we're still wondering why no one has put the Halloween decorations away.  I have always liked the Advent rituals that help us stay grounded in a season that can be overwhelming in so many ways.  So before another season gets away from us, let's think about some practices that we might want to adopt.

Read

There are so many Advent readers, ones that are rooted in Biblical readings and ones that give us snippets from a single author.  I've read Rebecca Solnit's Hope in the Dark, which is more secular, but perfect for the season.  Or maybe you want to to revisit an old favorite, Advent themed or not.  Look for the Advent themes, and you can choose any text for your meditative time.

Advent Wreath/candles

You could go to an arts and craft store to buy supplies to make a wreath.  Or you could take 4 candles that you already have on hand and keep the wreath simple.  On the first week, you light one candle.  A week from today, you'll light that candle and another one.  Two weeks from now, 3 candles, and three weeks from now, 4 candles.  In an ideal world, you'd have an Advent wreath moment each day, and you'd spend a few minutes staring at the flickering flame.  But even if you only light the Advent candles sporadically, it's worthwhile.

Advent Calendars

These are no longer for kids, although why not have the kind of Advent calendar that gives you a chocolate for each day of Advent, if chocolate brings you joy?  Some Advent calendars have you open a new window each day, and along with the treat, you get a reading.

In the past, there have been online calendars, and my favorites have been the ones that give us an image from space.  Right now, I can't find the 2022 one, but maybe soon.

Your Favorite Things

Advent is a great time to rediscover your favorite things--what brings you joy?  Can you adopt the practice to a 4 week structure?  Maybe bake a different type of bread every week.  Try to make a different quilt square every week.  Buy a potted plant each week and spend the week thinking about what the plant has to teach you.  Go for an Advent walk in the evening and enjoy the lights that your neighbors have displayed.

Help Those Less Fortunate

We have many more opportunities to do this in the season of Advent.  Donate money, donate a toy.  Help cook a community meal.  Spend time tutoring. On and on we could go--but you know what speaks to your heart.  Do that thing for others.

Take Your Practice Year Round

No need to make this decision now--but maybe you'll want to expand your Advent practice to something that you can do year round.  Invite the sacred into your life.  Cultivate a sense of awe, wonder, and gratitude.