Every year during Advent, we slowly come to realize and believe that there is a deeper hope, a truer and more profound liberation. We are called to grow in our hope and our faith and to believe Christ will be our light!
The following advent reflections were originally shared in 2002 by Sister Mary (Mary Andrew) VanGilder, IHM (10/28/24-6/16/12). Read more about Sister Mary’s life and ministries here.
The first week in Advent: Why do we wait?
In each of us, there is a place or space in need of attention. Advent enables us to consider again what it is about our spiritual life that is calling for awakening, trying to be born anew, asking for life.
- What need do I feel for encouragement or for new insights?
- What need do I feel for a deeper relationship with the Divine Mystery?
- Why do I long for a new awareness that God is where I am?
- How do I need a renewed hope in God’s goodness?
The second week in Advent: Where do we wait?
We wait in darkness, in the place where new life grows in secret and in silence. We wait in the darkness for a glimmer of dawn, of a new day, of a fresh start. We allow old embers to fade while we search for sources of renewed light and energy. We welcome the embrace of darkness, which helps reveal the new light of increasing life.
- If I find darkness empty and fearful, where do I look for light?
- When I rest quietly in darkness, how do I become aware of new insights?
- Where can I find my center and fill it with trust and hope?
The third week in Advent: How do we wait?
A time of waiting can be active or passive. Waiting actively, we do something that changes us, preparing for new life, discarding what keeps us bound and listless. Waiting passively, we repeat our old ways without hope, anticipation, or thought of new life.
- How am I aware of fresh desires and hopes stirring in me?
- How do I recognize ways I need to change and grow?
- How can I empty a heart-place to receive new life?
- How can I be glad in anticipation of fulfillment?
The fourth week in Advent: For whom or what do we await?
While waiting, we often shape our expectations to fit what we believe will be the response and fulfillment of what we project as the perfect answer to our hope. Advent is a journey to newness and is often along a rough road. God works in a personal way, knowing that surprises have a way of awakening us to new and unexpected strengths and insights.
- What do I expect as a fulfillment of my waiting?
- Why can I be grateful for the gift of the journey?
- How can anticipation be a gift in itself?
- What will I realize if it seems that I have not arrived at an end?