The Final Days of Advent

"I had hopes that my own Advent would be a season of rejuvenation and rest." I had hopes and even expectations that within these four peaceful, quiet, low-lit weeks my heart would be particularly stilled, refreshed in new insights and the tangible consolations of the Lord. Although I knew better than to be attached to these hopes, my heart still held them out at the beginning of Advent like a little plea to the Lord.

Here we are in the final days of Advent, and I can confidently say that my Advent didn't feel particularly special. I had aspirations to pray more, attend daily Mass, rest more, and so on. In reality, I cared for my sick 11 month old, let him sleep in each morning to recover and consequently missed each morning Mass I intended to attend, prayed less than I hoped due to family travels, sickness, and the ever-growing pile of Christmas orders that rolled in through Qui Minimo. And yet, in it all, there was peace.

When we genuinely give the Lord our hearts, regardless of our circumstances, nothing can inhibit Him from working in our lives. This Advent, as confidently as I can say it didn't feel particularly special, I can also say it was beautiful. I found Him right there where I was; or better said, He came to me right where I was. Instead of wishing I could contemplate His love before a beautiful nativity scene outside of the home, I meditated on the humanity of Christ as a little babe as I held my sick baby. Late in the night as I would roll myself out of bed to nurse him for yet another night, I would meditate on Mary's humanity and love as she held her own flesh and blood son, also the Son of God and her Lord. Such mystery, such beauty.

And so however your Advent unfolded, whether it was full of profound, felt grace or looked a bit more like mine, I am praying you can reflect on where the Lord was with you throughout, and that you can enter into these final days with no less intention and love. Advent is not over. We have a few precious days left of preparation, though we may now be visiting family, drinking warm egg nog, and listening to Christmas carols. Here are a few simple ways you and I can both enter into these final days of Advent and even Christmas in the midst of the festivities, socials, and (joyful) noise.

1. Put your phone away.

a) Find a designated “home” for your phone in your living space or bedroom

b) Leave your phone there when you aren’t using it for a good reason

c) Minimize the scrolling, the immediate availability, and embrace a deeper silence in your heart

2. Pray your Rosary.

a) Meditate on those joyful mysteries through the Heart of Our Lady as she prepared for the birth of her Son and her God

b) Let her teach you about what it means to receive Christ more fully within you

c) Learn from Mary as the perfect example

3. Pray in front of a Nativity.

a) Use your senses, your imagination, and meditate on the way God chose to come to earth to redeem and save you, His bride

b) Meditate on how this is the way He chose, in ineffable humility and love. This wood of the manger, to be exchanged for the wood of the Cross, all for you

4. Most importantly, ask God.

a) Ask God Himself, directly, what He wants you to hear, to understand these remaining days of Advent going into the Christmas season

b) Listen

Let us not grow weary or lazy in the final days! Jesus is coming in a new and beautiful way as we enter into the Christmas season and all we have to do is make room for Him here in our own hearts. Letting go of distractions or vices, giving Him even just a little more time and attention, listening a little more than we have, and giving Him more of our hearts. He will come, if we only make space. I encourage you, don't forget Him as you enter into the busyness and socials that accompany this season. Be sure to set up the little ways for yourself to continue to abide in Him quietly within you.

Jesus wants you to know His love for you.