Savouring the Advent Season
Savouring the Advent Season
As Christmas songs play on repeat in the malls and groceries stores and children eagerly await photos with Santa, it can prove challenging for Christians to savour the short 4 weeks of the Advent Season. More than ever, Christians need to be very intentional in making the most of these 4 weeks, seeing in them a wonderful way to prepare for the Nativity of the Lord on December 25th.
Spiritual reading could be a worthy way to enter into the mystery of Advent. For example, some have looked to read the entire Book of Isaiah prior to December 25th. Of all the prophets, Isaiah is the one that contains the most prophecies about the birth, life, passion and resurrection of Christ. If one was to read a few chapters each day during Advent (there are 66 in total), then this great prophetic work could be read in its entirety before Christmas Eve arrives.
Another source of spiritual reading that could help us savour the Advent season would be to read a book on the Blessed Virgin Mary. Advent has a very Marian character, especially from December 17-24 when the readings at daily Mass recount the events that occurred in the life of Mary prior to the birth of her only son.
A few notable Marian spiritual books that one could read this month are The World’s First Love by Archbishop Fulton Sheen, Mary of Nazareth by Fr. Federico Suarez and The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander.
How ever we spend Advent, may it be a sacred time of prayer, reflection, charitable works and excitement for the birth of Jesus.