Temperatures are especially warm this fall, so the holidays still seem so far off. A glance at the calendar; however, and one is reminded that time is steadily counting down to the holidays. Wistfully, I am reminded of a time long ago—during my childhood---when fall would give way to the Advent season. Growing up in liturgical churches, Advent meant a time of anticipation, solemnity, reflection, penance and quietness rolled into one.

Typically, at the end of November—4 Sundays prior to Christmas—the advent wreath was pulled out. The greens would have been hung. The wreath was placed on a table at the front of the sanctuary and contained five candles. The colors of the candles all had special meaning as did the color of the minister’s vestments. The candles, themselves, even had meaning assigned ranging from Expectation to Love, Joy and Peace.

Sadly, as the Christmas season becomes more commercialized and families attend church with less regularity, fewer young adults possess a knowledge and understanding of the Advent season.

I would highly recommend Isabel Ander’s book, Awaiting The Child: An Advent Journal if you are interested in finding a guide to the solemnity and beauty of the season. Written in the mid-1980’s while she was pregnant, the book intertwines snippets from her life with biblical truths and advent messages. Typical of her style, the book is poignant and beautiful. Divided into sections that present prayers for each week, it will guide you through the weeks of Advent and help you to make a more meaningful and prayerful connection to the season.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author in exchange for a fair review.