By Dr. Pamela Patnode
“Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.” ~ Psalm 122:1
I am embarrassed to admit that there have been many Christmases when I have not gone to the House of the Lord with rejoicing. In truth, it grieves me to think of how many times, rather than celebrating the Incarnation with songs of thanks and praise in my heart, I have entered the church feeling distracted and exhausted.
Who are your influencers for the Advent season?
For many women, the holidays can be among the busiest times of the year. By this first week of Advent, we are already deep into home decorating, baking, gift buying, Christmas card sending, attendance at children’s concerts, and holiday gatherings.
Joanna Gaines, Ree Drummond (the Pioneer Woman), and numerous TikTok influencers share ideas on what to buy, what to bake, how to decorate, and what to wear to make this the most meaningful holiday season yet.
A slower pace
Lost in this frenetic activity, however, is the true understanding of Advent and Christmas. This Sunday’s readings give us the clarion call for the Advent season. Matthew’s gospel reminds us to “stay awake.” Jesus’ words invite us to halt, to pause, and to be attentive to the Lord moving within our lives.
Additionally, Isaiah implores, “O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!” Notice he does not say, “let us race from one thing to the next in an ongoing frenzy.” Rather, we are reminded to walk in the light, to wait in joyful hope, and to consider a slower pace prayerfully.
If we, if I, hope to enter the House of the Lord with rejoicing this Christmas, I believe that I must live Advent differently than I have in the past. It will require a purposeful pause, intentional daily prayer, and reflection on what God is asking of me during this important season. What might Advent look like this year for me? What might it look like for you?
Prayer
Come, Lord Jesus, come. Guide me in living this Advent season as you would like me to.
Call to Action
Prayerfully consider making a plan for Advent. Is there something I can simplify? How can I use this Advent season to strengthen my relationship with Christ and my relationships with others? What might Advent look like for me/my family this year?
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Beautiful reflection with great advice! It is so important to slow down and savor the moment!
It will look very different for me this year because my husband died the day before Thanksgiving after a 22 month battle with brain cancer. Thank you for your reflection..
Oh Mary – my heart breaks for your loss. Please know that I (and I suspect this entire WINE community) will be praying for you throughout the Advent and Christmas season. What a heavy cross you have been asked to carry. Know that you do not carry it alone.
beautiful reminder to be intentional and to s l o w down.
God be with you, Mary. Advent and December, itself, is so hard for me, too. My beloved 35 year old son died, at the Mayo Clinic, after only eight days. His wife and I were there all eight days. Dec 16 it will be six years. Our Lady of Guadalupe helped us get through the hardest time in our lives. +JMJ+
This is such a beautiful community of women. The holidays can be a difficult time for those who carry heavy crosses in life. How beautiful to be part of a community that prays for one another. This community of women will be the focus of my rosary today. May God bless you.