While the days and weeks of Advent traditionally close out our calendar year, they are, in fact, the very beginning of the liturgical year. The first Sunday of Advent is the Church’s New Year’s Day!
Contrary to popular practice, Advent is not a mere extension of Christmas festivities but rather a more sober season emphasizing reflective waiting, quiet patience, and spiritual preparation as we look for the coming of our long-awaited messiah.
This year, Advent begins on December 1, and I invite you to a holy Advent. Let us make space, be still, and wait for the coming of our King.
Pray
Blessed Lord, who caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and the comfort of your holy Word we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer
Sing
Be Quiet
Though the world often celebrates Advent as one long extension of the Christmas season, the sacred rhythms of the Church invite us to step away from the holiday hysteria and into a holy wilderness - a season of waiting on the Lord and preparing our hearts to rejoice in Emmanuel, God with us.
Consistently practicing the spiritual discipline of silence can be a great way to make space for prayerful wandering and intentional listening in an otherwise noisy life. Our times of silence act as a mini-wilderness, allowing us to be open to God in a space beyond words. What a glorious way to enter into a holy Advent, making our hearts ready for our coming king.
Tips for Practicing Silence:
Go someplace quiet where you are unlikely to be interrupted – this is a practice that is best suited to solitude. Silence your phone. Turn off any distractions which are already in the room (TV, music, annoying fan). Settle yourself comfortably, but not in a posture of sleep.
Start small – 2-5 minutes. Set a timer. Work your way up to ten or more minutes.
Light a candle – flames have long represented the Holy Spirit. Focusing on the flame instead of closing your eyes can help keep your mind on the Lord.
Begin by offering yourself to the Lord with the words of Isaiah, “Here I am,” or Samuel, “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.” If you have something for which you are particularly seeking the Lord’s counsel, ask Him now.
If your mind wanders, notice the wandering, gently release your thoughts to the Lord, and bring your attention back to God. Don’t beat yourself up about it, you’re only human. If you’d like, choose a scripture to focus on and return to in these moments.
Close your time by expressing to the Lord how the time of silence made you feel (Uncomfortable? Relaxed? Fidgety? Peaceful? Indifferent?) and thank the Lord for his sure presence (Zephaniah 3:17).
Try to practice silence regularly – daily for a season, if you’re able! – to train your head, heart, and hands in the practice of settling yourself before the Lord. The first few times are bound to be funky, especially if silence is something new to you or if your life is particularly full, noisy, or unsettled.
