Advent

“The great majority of people …will keep Christmas Day…and some day suddenly wake up and discover why.”

G.K. Chesterton

November 16th is the start of Celtic Christian Advent. My Celtic Daily Prayer Books 1 & 2 remind me each year; so do https://www.northumbriacommunity.org/saints/celtic-advent-november-16th.

It’s the start of fasting and preparation for Christmas in line with monastic tradition. It reflects Lent, the preparation for Easter.

In a world obsessed by Christmas, but clueless to its meaning, I find it helps to think of Christmas not as a frantic festival. Instead I choose to prepare for it with some quietness, reflecting on what is about to happen. I do some internal housekeeping, prepare my heart for the arrival of the King.

I’m using the next 40days to slow down and focus on Him. I’ll reflect on how His coming to us was announced, revealed through the ages, through people. I’ll reflect on each passage in different Bible versions, in quietness. Each week a different announcement, preparing people for the coming King.

Week 1 – Isaiah 9 v 6 – 7: what the prophets said

Week 2 – Luke 1 v 5 – 19: what the angel said to Zechariah & Elizabeth

Week 3 – Luke 1 v 26 – 38: what the angel said to Mary

Week 4 – Luke 1 v 39 – 45: what Elizabeth said to Mary – what John said even in the womb

Week 5 – Luke 1 v 46 – 55: what Mary said to God

Week 6 – Luke 2 v 8 – 20: what the angels said to the shepherds

I’ll still be making Christmas cake, seeking out gifts, writing cards, seeing family, but with a focus on His arrival. A celebration of peace on earth and in my heart.