Sometimes, it is better not to take a shortcut! In life, we often are offered shortcuts— as in the case of a route to a physical destination, a function on the computer or other electronic device, or some other procedure. Utilizing the shortcut potentially saves considerable time and may lead to greater efficiency of labor. However, not all of life lends itself to “shortcuts.” We could become sloppy and careless in our work; when it comes to relationships, I am not sure there is such a thing as a beneficial shortcut. It takes considerable time and energy and effort to cultivate a relationship.
In that way, I suggest that the seasons offered within a church year are intended to serve the relationship we have—with one another and with the Lord. It may be tempting to rush things along; it rarely, if ever serves our wellbeing. This brings us to the time at hand: The Fourth Week of Advent. True, it is not going to be a full seven-day week. Nevertheless, we are subject to the temptation almost to bypass these late Advent days altogether, at least in terms of our spiritual disposition. In fact, because of early print deadlines, I am actually writing this article before the conclusion even of the second week. I hope I don’t sound rushed.
Fundamentally speaking: let Advent be Advent, and we will have a richer Christmas for it! I am not suggesting a mass boycott of seasonal gatherings altogether. Still, I believe it is possible to maintain some sense of waiting with joyful anticipation. It reminds me of couples waiting for the birth of a child to learn whether they are welcoming a son or a daughter (For the record, that is not intended as a reprimand to parents who have chosen to know ahead.).
It helps to have prompts and guides. The various resources we make available in Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter really help to create and maintain a spiritual rhythm. I have found particular benefit in the “Advent Challenge” offered on the Hallow app. It uses as a framework a book by the English mystic, Caryll Houselander entitled The Reed of God and is led by individuals including Jonathan Roumie and Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT.
Of course, I am aware that between this issue of the bulletin and the next, Christmas Day will occur. Perhaps the following poem by Madeleine L’Engle can serve a good bridge:
The Risk of Birth, Christmas, 1973
This is no time for a child to be born,
With the earth betrayed by war & hate
And a comet slashing the sky to warn
That time runs out & the sun burns late.
That was no time for a child to be born,
In a land in the crushing grip of Rome;
Honor & truth were trampled by scorn—
Yet here did the Savior make his home.
When is the time for love to be born?
The inn is full on the planet earth,
And by a comet the sky is torn—
Yet Love still takes the risk of birth.
Let His Peace be with you,
Fr. Stephen
