We are at the time when what is called “Ordinary Time” in church liturgy comes to a close. Usually it is a few days or even a week after Thanksgiving before Advent begins. But this year we had our day of thanks, black Friday, small business Saturday and then the extraordinary period of anticipation we call Advent, in which we’re in week two.
Thanksgiving is a day of looking back over the year and annotating experiences and getting together with friends and family that have been blessings from our creator. Sometimes these blessings have been disguised with negativity and can be a true struggle to be thankful for.
Relationships become strained, loved ones pass, financial hardships and physical suffering are all parts of life. However, the Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8) Continuing on the divine path chosen for each of us eventually reveals the purpose intended, because it is the best pathway.
Perhaps as you recall what you are easily thankful for, those times that seem most difficult emerged. So many times in life, the very pathway God has you on, or the advice you received long ago, we didn’t know at the time it was from the Lord and preparing us for the future. A friend shares an encouraging word. A sermon gives you hope in the middle of turmoil. In a time of prayer you sense a special touch of the Spirit. These experiences happen all the time but we are distracted and not mindful of the love and mercy present on the path. If you don’t already journal regularly, this year may be the time to begin to record the path and those times of advice and protection that are blessings from God. The path will be revealed and your faith will increase as a result.
After an inventory of thanks we began Advent. Advent comes from the Latin “adventus” which means coming. This period of four weeks before Christmas is for preparation and prayer as anticipation of the Christ child being born increases. It is marked by lighting one candle each Sunday of Advent and focusing on the various meanings depending on your denomination and local traditions. They can be Faith, Hope, Joy and Love or Prophecy, Bethlehem, Shepherds and Angels. All these titles represent the virtues of Jesus and tell the story of Christmas.
There is an abundance of devotional guides for Advent. Using one of these guides may be a great start to a new year of being thankful and aware of the path set before you. Remember, New Year for the church is the first Sunday of Advent.
Enjoy getting together with family and friends. Enjoy hearing the news of the past year and the love of one another. Then be ready and prepare to begin a new chapter on the best pathway for your life as you anticipate and prepare for the God of the Universe to become like you and me and live among us. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!
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Root and Vine