Third Week of Advent Reflection
Welcome to the Third Week of "A Journey through Advent and Christmas." In order to facilitate access to the Advent bundle including the reflections and audio for this Advent Program, information from the Companion Guide and links to the audio are included in this email. If you have already downloaded the content based upon our prior emails, this is the same information contained in the download for the Third Week of Advent.
Seeing Things Familiar
We live in a time where we can take light for granted. The flip of a switch lets us see instantly in the darkness. Most of us rarely think twice about the wonder of light being available on demand any time we need or want it.
Unfamiliar Again
It’s hard to imagine total darkness. Even at night, the glow of appliance clocks, power indicators, and electronic screens prevents the total blanket of darkness. But in total darkness, we feel the struggle as our eyes strain to land on even the tiniest bit of light. True darkness can be an ultimate experience of disorientation and often brings anxiety and even danger as we cannot see how to move safely through our surroundings. Total darkness is actually nothing. It is not a substance in its own right; “darkness” merely describes the condition of total absence of light. Advent calls us to really go deep into the reality that without the Incarnation, humanity would have faced total darkness and subsequent disorientation, danger, and anxiety in our existence. In our lives and hearts, the more we allow Jesus—the Light of the world—into our deepest, most hidden places, the more darkness and its effects fade away.
Read: John 1:6-8, 19-28
A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light.
And this is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” He said:
“I am the voice of one crying out in the desert,
‘make straight the way of the Lord,’”
‘make straight the way of the Lord,’”
as Isaiah the prophet said.” Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
Listen:
- #8 - Light (Fr. Dave's Talk)
- #9 - Starlight (song by the Vigil Project)
- #10 - What Child of This (song by the Vigil Project)
Reflect:
- What are some times in your life that light has been a significant element in a moment, event, or celebration? What spiritual parallels can you make to these experiences?
- What are some things in your life or parts of yourself that you try to keep hidden? Why? What do you fear may happen if these things are brought to light? How can you be more open and vulnerable to God? How can you be more open and vulnerable in other important relationships in your life?
Pray:
If you have not yet, begin lighting an Advent wreath at your main meal of the day. Advent wreaths can be purchased, but consider creating your own as a special meditative prayer activity with your family.