Isaiah 9:2-3
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness. You have enlarged the nation and increased its joy. The people have rejoiced before you as they rejoice at harvest time.
Romans 13:11-12
…Because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
I didn’t grow up in a Christian tradition that followed the liturgical calendar, but I discovered the blessings of the practice of Advent as an adult. Over the past decade or so, I have found Advent to be deeply edifying to my life and my perspective on the holiday season. Like many, I have fond memories of Christmastime from my childhood and have always loved this time of year. The lights, music, parties, events, and of course, Christmas morning felt magical when I was younger. It was only later I realized how much of that magic was created by the hard and dedicated work of many adults around me who loved my sister and me well. Now, as adults responsible for creating these moments for others, we often find this season full of stress, frustration, and difficulty.
Some studies show over 60% of people with mental health issues experience significant increases in symptoms during the month of December. Another reports 3 in 5 adults feel the stress of the holiday season far outweighs its joys. These statistics seem even a bit low to me. I wonder if they resonate with your experience this December.
Advent is a Latin word that means “coming,” so when we observe Advent, we prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of the Lord. Just as we prepare for the magic of Christmas morning, Advent reminds us of our true longings and how we are waiting for hope – for a savior. This is never more true than when we find ourselves in darkness, fear, and pain. How many of us are longing this season for light where we find only darkness? Longing for relief from pain and sadness. Longing for hope when we have only fear. Or longing for connection when we only see our loneliness. Oh, we know this waiting and longing all too well, don’t we?
Like when a diagnosis comes out of the blue, and we hope and wait for test results or at the bedside at the hospital amid the wires and beeps, praying and longing for any change in the right direction.
And the couple struggling with infertility and all the appointments, shots, pills, and embarrassing conversations with doctors and others. And they test and wait and hope that their disappointment will come to an end.
Or the parents who love their children but can’t reach them like they once could. So they work at finding connection and understanding, but all they find is anger, frustration, distance, and confusion. They fear for their children, whom they love so dearly and long to protect, but their reach is not returned. And so they pray and hope and wait for it to get better.
Like a marriage that was once strong and loving but has turned sour and sad. They are quite good at keeping up appearances, so friends and neighbors can’t tell, but the house is colder now, and the hope is dying. The loneliness and hurt feel so big these days. So they pray and wait and long for something to change.
Like a man whose sin and foolishness have overwhelmed him, and the consequences of those actions have come for their bill. The loneliness and self-doubt weigh heavy on him now, while most have deserted him. Paths that once seem straight and obvious have darkened, and the future looks bleak. And he waits and longs and prays for love and hope and grace.
Or a person experiencing the loss of a loved one this season. The holidays seem to open new wounds, and all the things that were once joyous are now painful. All they have left of their faith is to cry out with anger and despair. So with a broken heart, they wait and hope and pray for the one they love.
I always enjoy the beauty and serenity of the nativity scenes that decorate the lawns of churches and table tops in homes. But I often think of the contrast between those calm, peaceful scenes of sitting animals and a smiling baby with the likely reality of a desperate young couple delivering their child together in a dirty barn surrounded by snorting, loud and confused animals. A savior born to a young, scared couple in an occupied country amidst the chaos, confusion, and fear. A mother and father holding to a faith that they will not be forgotten. Advent calls to those who are in the darkness, waiting, hoping, and praying the light will come soon.
Advent reminds us of our faith in the one who promises the light will come, who promises we are never left alone because our God is a good Father who does not forget us. Advent names this hoping, praying, waiting “preparation.” It honors the suffering that is embedded in the waiting by making it useful and purposeful. The practice of Advent reminds us that the savior we long for has come once in the middle of pain, fear, and chaos on that first Christmas and that he will come again. Of course, he will. He would never leave us in the dark.
This holiday season, if you find the light harder to see or the darkness seems to be heavier this year, consider the rhythm and practice of Advent. Wait for the Lord. He is on his way.
Please contact us if we can help you during this holiday season. Below are some advent devotionals and resources.
Happy Holidays.
Resources
Honest Advent by Scott Erickson
Celebrating Abundance: Devotions for Advent by Walter Brueggemann
God Is In the Manger by Dietrich Bonhoffer
Written by: Josh Thames, M.Ed, MS, APC
Roswell Location
Buckhead Location
Josh works with adolescents, teenagers, couples, and adult males. He spent 14 years as an educator before becoming a counselor. He connects well with young people and their families so they feel heard, honored, and understood.