Advent of Our Birth

First Sunday of Advent

"What I say to you, I say to all: 'Watch!'"
--Mark 13:37

Today's reflection in Jay Cormier's Waiting in Joyful Hope provides a beautiful kick off to this Advent season.  Cormier reminds us of all the times we have stayed up all night, studying for an exam, or getting an early start on a long journey, or perhaps for even more profound experiences, like sitting vigil with someone about to die, or waiting on the birth of a child.

This last example struck home powerfully for me, of course.  My daughter was born near dawn after a long night of labor, nearly two years ago now.  The parallels between that vigil and the joyful expectancy of Advent make the sacredness of this season palpable to me.  Months of anxious waiting, preparation, and dreaming came to a climax that night.

There are differences too, of course.  Our waiting was accompanied by a subtle but real fear: fear that something might go wrong.  Whereas we are assured of the completeness that accompanies the arrival of the Kingdom.

This doesn't stop us from worrying, fearing, even doubting though, even about the Kingdom, does it?  We are confident pregnancies will come to fullfillment, but we harbor quiet doubts about the infinite promises of the Gospels.  Human nature, original sin, or just the absymally deep fragility and alienation of our spirits nurtures in us the constant risk of complacency.

This is why Advent is also a discipline.  We must work at being watchful, must actively nurture joy, expectant gratitude, and abiding faith.  Because the Kingdom will come as surely as the newborn child, and with mystery, glory and fullfillment far beyond our wildest imaginings.

Creator God, we await your birth among us, but ultimately it is you who give birth to us and through your grace, raise us up to be your blessed children.  Let us ever be watchful for your redeeming love alive in our midst.  Amen.