The Advent 'walk' might include a skip.
It’s okay to feel wonder and to be childlike and to say, “Christmas is coming". God’s not threatened by our joy. God’s the source of it.
I've explored Advent as a journey. Slowing down, paying attention, letting God shape us as we prepare for Jesus’ arrival. It was supposed to encourage thoughtfulness and a reflective steady pace of walking through Advent.
Matt
I lasted two days.
Last night I sang carols with people from church, encouraging a fine crowd to join us outside. I saw a church full to the brim and alive with Christmas gifts and craft stalls. Sedbergh was glowing, lights were switched on, shops were open late, Father Christmas was giving out presents, people were hurrying with bags, children were pointing at decorations. There was a lot to take in.
Today is Christmas jumper day…and so it goes on. I’m allowed to reflect upon my reflection…(reverse, reverse!). I don't think Advent is meant to dampen joy. It’s meant to deepen it. We prepare and we look forward with excitement.
There is a balance. It's good to use this time to walk thoughtfully but that walk can have a spark (or skip) of anticipation too.
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
Advent is a longing but a longing doesn’t need to be dreary and 'meh', it can be energising. It’s the expectation that makes the fulfilment so sweet.
I think of John the Baptist and his tigger-like energy, whose whole ministry was an excited announcement in motion:
Prepare the way of the Lord
John isn’t dreary, he’s urgent and alive and full of energy and saying 'something amazing is coming, get ready!' So yes, we can prepare, we can find moments to slow down and reflect and we should try and find a pattern to our advent journey. But we can also allow ourselves to smile at the lights and enjoy the carols and the buzz, because the story we are waiting for, the birth of Jesus, is the greatest joy ever announced:
I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people
Great joy. For all people.
Including everyone on busy streets, in crowded churches, at late-night markets, buying presents, singing carols.
Advent is preparation but it is also permission to be excited. So I think it’s okay to feel wonder and to be childlike and to say, “Christmas is coming, and that is good.”
God’s not threatened by our joy. God’s the source of it.
Loving God,
Thank You for the place we live and the community we share, for the beauty of our town, the warmth of familiar faces, the joy of shared celebrations, and the hope that lights our streets.
Yet we hold before You those for whom this time of year is difficult. Those who see an empty chair at the table, those carrying the weight of grief or loneliness, those facing financial pressures, strained relationships, or broken homes, those who feel the world celebrating while they quietly struggle behind closed doors.
Come gently to them, Jesus.
Bring comfort, peace, and light into every shadowed place. Help us to be attentive, compassionate, and generous. To notice, to support, to love.
As we journey through Advent, may our excitement be rooted in Your hope, our joy grounded in Your presence, and our preparations guided by Your love.
Amen.
