We have officially hit the time where it is ‘acceptable’ to play Christmas music. There are people who enjoy it so much that they play it all year and then others, like me, who wait until after Thanksgiving to start playing it as we approach the Christmas season. We speak socially as if this season begins at the start of December, but in the Catholic Church it does not start then. Advent comes before Christmas, and the Christmas season actually does not start until the 25th of December. I wonder every year as I joyfully decorate if I should wait and live out more of the waiting that the Church asks of us during Advent. The pillars of Advent are wonderful and can be adapted and presented to anyone. The pillars can be seen by what the candles each Sunday represent: hope, peace, joy, and love.
Advent is a penitential season. It is one when we are to take stock of what we are doing and how we are going about our lives. It is also a waiting season. We are not yet in Christmas. Our Messiah has not yet come, and we must remember that. As much as it pains us to wait, this is a great reminder that in waiting and growing in our patience, good things happen.
In waiting and maybe not allowing ourselves to play Christmas music or put out our decorations, we might be able to open our eyes to the others around us who are living out life in different ways.
Hanukkah is another celebration that happens in December that, like the season of Advent, includes candles with specific meanings. They are community, conservation, courage, education, Israel, light, miracles, and rededication. Even though the celebrations of Christmas and Hanukkah have different significance, we can still honor one another as we move through this sacred season of candle lighting, songs, gift giving, time with family, and prayer.
The Christmas Season is a time of wonderful joy, but it can be a time when we are very busy and can find ourselves immersed in consumerism and our own selves. Maybe you don’t participate in Advent, you are not Christian, or you’re not Jewish either. Still, I encourage you during this busy season to think about the candles for these celebrations and seasons. Be hope-filled; bring about peace and joy. Love others. Embrace community. Be aware of how you are spending and what you are spending on. Be courageous. Educate yourself. Think about countries and communities different from our own. We would do well to be mindful of those who are distinct from ourselves. Admire the light. Light is often seen at the holidays as beautiful and illuminating. Allow for miracles, and open your eyes and hearts to what could be possible. Rededicate yourself. The new year is coming and with it often is renewal and resolution. Take time to think through yours.
We may think of ourselves as so different in our walks and celebrations, but with a little discernment we may find many more similarities and positive things we could add. I hope your heart is stirred this holiday season, not just by your own celebrations, but in knowing that all around you are celebrations and people coming together.