Advent and Orientation
Among the many things that 2020 has been, one word comes into stark clarity for me: disorienting. COVID-19, the social upheaval, and the countless little ways our lives have changed throughout this year all seem to have ripped out of our hands any sense of normalcy. There is much to grieve to be sure.
However, even in the midst of great darkness, there is a greater hope. This is why I am excited for the start of Advent. Advent serves as a time for the body of Christ to wait, pray, and prepare for the coming of Jesus.
While I look forward to this season, I sense in me frustration as we approach this time. Another thing to wait for? Waiting for the pandemic to end is already so draining on the soul; aching for things to return to normal. More demands to wait for anything seem to be the last thing I need.
It is also a rescue! I have always loved adhering to the liturgical calendar and this year it has been a needed balm. I find myself slowing down into familiar rhythms again, even amidst the unknowns. After all, Christians have always been a waiting people and this Advent season provides us with an opportunity, maybe for the first time this year, to look forward with expectation and hope! Our good King will come again.
My prayer for myself and for you is that during this Advent season, you would be able to hope again. In a year that has buried many hopes in darkness, let us look to the One who is the light of the world.
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” — John 8:12
I recently came across a line that I have read many times, but at this moment it seemed to pull my heart out of some unrecognized despair. It comes from Tolkien’s The Two Towers. The Fellowship has reunited with their beloved Gandalf and in the midst of great odds and more than their fair share of disorientation, Aragorn utters these hopeful words.
The Dark Lord has Nine. But we have One, mightier than they: the White Rider. He has passed through the fire and the abyss, and they shall fear him. We will go where he leads.”
Yes, this year is darker than any of us could have imagined and it seems like the enemy of our souls may have the upper hand but evil will not have the last word. We follow One who has been through His own dark night of the soul, overcame, and will come again to set all things right. This Advent, I pray that this truth will light our way as we continue to follow the lead of Jesus.
