Choosing to intentionally and slowly celebrate Advent has been a godsend for me in reclaiming the Mystery of Christmas. In the face of overwhelming consumerism, fake displays, fake snow, fake angels, fake light, quiet darkness has been the healing candle guiding my tired footsteps towards a new, hushed morning.
For Celt(ic Christians) in the 6th century, today was the first day of the Celtic Advent season, some forty days before Christmas. It mirrored Lent which leads up to Easter. The Celtic Advent was (and still is) a great season.
So, happy Advent-tide to you and yours. Be blessed.
‘It is now, at Advent, that I am given the chance to suspend all expectation…and instead to revel in the mystery.’ Jerusalem Jackson Greer
In a time when the commercial side of Christmas has a tendency to take over, I like the idea of celebrating the beginning of Advent, today, knowing the Mystery and ancient continuity behind it. It also gives us a longer time to prepare for the coming of Christmas, that is, the real, deep, moving, comforting, spiritual aspect of Christmas, and the meditational aspect of preparation of what is to come.
This Advent, then, can be a time to rest…
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Reluctant Mysticism 