Season of Advent: Hope, Day 5

Season of Advent

Hope, Day 5

Reading:

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” [1]

Reflection:

The theme of Hope is a subtle, but profound illustration of the Advent season of waiting. Indeed, as we hope for something we must wait for it to manifest. After something we have hoped for arrives, we no longer need to hope or wait for it.

In general, most of us do not wait well. We are used to being able to cross the country in a few hours or to access centuries of information with a few clicks on a keyboard. We expect and demand efficiency and convenience, especially when there is already more to be done than hours in the day. For many of us, the thought of Christmas approaching in any sort of transformative way is an enormous threat to our sense of control. On top of everything else we are not getting done, we add spiritual growth to the shopping, decorating, and other energy-depleting activities that mark what the Christmas season has become.

And that is one reason Advent can be a difficult, counter-cultural, and easily-ignored season. To enter Advent with the intention of preparing for an inner transformation requires time and effort we often feel we do not have, especially for an intangible reward that is poorly defined or understood. Advent invites us to create open space in a crowded universe.

Indeed, it is the difficulties of the journey that open the pathways to new insights into this season. They allow spiritual maturation to occur – not as a one-time event but as an on-going process.

Closing Meditation:

Think about something you once hoped for that is now a reality for you. In what ways does the current reality differ from the expectant hopes of the past?

Journal the thoughts or feelings that arise.

This daily series, Contemplative Christmas, is replacing my weekly Life Notes until January 6, 2026, when my weekly blog will resume. The thoughts expressed here are mine. To engage with me: ghildenbrand@outlook.com.

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[1] Epicurus – Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you… (brainyquote.com), accessed September 27, 2024.