Note: This reflection is from several writings, over the years, on Advent by Sister Joan Chittister

        Dec 1^st heralds the beginning of the Advent season, and is described as a “highly spiritual time as we prepare to birth the Christ (Love) into our lives” (Chittister). Although, Advent is traditionally a Christian custom, regardless of a faith or not, when viewed through the lens of an all-inclusive Love; all are welcome.

         Joan draws us in to explore the deeper meaning of this beautiful season.  She explains, “Advent, teaches us to wait for what is beyond the obvious. To look for God (Love) in all those places we have, until now, ignored.”

        “It is waiting that attunes us to the invisible in a highly material world. The function of Advent is to remind us of what we’re waiting for as we go through life, too busy with things that do not matter, to remember the things that do” (Chittister).  In this age of technology and speed I feel the pull to be still and listen for guidance.

        Joan elaborates, “Waiting — that cold, dry period of life when nothing seems to be enough and something else beckons within us — is the grace that Advent comes to bring.  It stands before us, within us, pointing to the star for which, the wise ones from the East are only icons of ourselves.”

        Joan reminds us that, “The first week of Advent calls us to hope in the promise that God (Love) is calling us to greater things and will be with us as we live them.”  Living in a world with so much suffering one can't help but realize, “ Hope is not for easy times. Hope comes only when hope is gone, when we are fainting from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon our worlds. Then hope and only hope reigns supreme. Then we see the works of a God who sends compassion through strangers. Then we go color blind where people are concerned and see Jesus (Love) where Jesus (Love) has always been—in the eyes of the other who waits to see that same Jesus (Love) in our own.”  For Love is the source of our being. To gaze into the eyes of another and become visible to yourself; this is the miracle of Love.

         "Advent asks the question, what is it for which you are spending your life?  What is the star you are following now?  And where is that star in its present radiance in your life leading you?  Is it a place that is really comprehensive enough to equal the breadth of the human soul?" (Chittister).

Excerpts from various Advent reflections by Sister Joan Chittister of the Benedictine Order, Erie PA

Compiled and edited by Liz Sorensen Wessel
"Angel of Hope" drawing by ~liz