Day 23: Thursday

Advent: What are you waiting for?

For many of us in the monastery, Advent is our favorite liturgical season. As the days get shorter, as it starts to feel more like winter, we are given a season of waiting, of preparation, and hope. We take Advent seriously in the monastery. No hauling out the holly just yet. The readings, hymns, vesture, conferences by the Abbot all work together to reawaken in us a sense of longing and urgency as we prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas. We hear the words and sing songs that are familiar and yet ever new. We meet our old friends like Isaiah and John the Baptist. We sing to the “Creator of the Stars of Night” and we end our prayer each day invoking Mary, the Loving Mother of the Redeemer.

One of my favorite Advent customs is that we sing a short hymn as the Advent wreath is lighted each evening in the refectory (monastic dining room). While it’s not quite like singing for your supper, this custom, which is unique to Advent, reminds us something is different, something special is happening; pay attention.