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A Time Of Preparation

“People talk about ‘Spring Cleaning’.” Father Dave said. “Let’s think about Advent as ‘Autumn Cleaning’. Sure, it’s December and there’s already snow on the ground. People typically think of that as Winter, but we’re still technically in late Autumn.”

Kendra sat between her mom and her Aunt Ivy. She had chosen not to go to Sunday School despite the warm invitation. She didn’t want Chelsea to think she was snooping for Mom and Dad. Dad was on the other side of her mom.

She found the organ music soothing and the priest’s vestments were fancy. The only jarring thing she’d seen so far was when the big kid in the procession with the cross turned around. Some of her friends were developing pimples, but this guy’s face was a complete disaster.

Kendra had little experience with church or prayer, but she was inspired to offer as much prayer as she could manage that the young man would find a skilled dermatologist.

The service was intriguing to her and seemed to clip right along with a pleasant song to announce each section. This is what the program sheet called the Sermon.

“Advent is to Christmas what Lent is to Easter. Both liturgical seasons are designed to be a time of preparation for a world-changing miracle.”

Kendra wasn’t typically nosy, but she was curious to see where Lynn’s family was sitting. As Father Dave continued explaining the importance of Advent, she scanned the crowded church for signs of Mr. and Mrs. Woodard.

In a sea of unfamiliar faces, she picked them out near the back. In fact, it seemed as if the entire congregation was in the back. She also noticed Lynn’s uncle sitting there with them. Was he looking at Father Dave or Aunt Ivy? Hard to tell from this angle.

“In some cultures around the world,” The sermon continued. “Advent is a time for fasting and frequent devotionals.”

That didn’t sound too appealing to Kendra. She was looking forward to all the flavors of the season. Gingerbread, chocolate chip cookies, spicy tea, cinnamon-dusted Snickerdoodles… The more he talked about Advent austerity, the more she was craving some Christmas cookies.

“…but, in a country defined by its blessings of abundance, we need to find another way to approach this season of preparation. To be quite honest, all of this talk about austerity is making me crave a five course meal topped off with a flaming plum pudding.”

Kendra appreciated his honesty. She caught a glimpse of her aunt pulling out a compact mirror. She fiddled with her bangs a bit, but her mirror was at a strange angle for checking her hair.

“No, I think that if we’re going to do some spiritual housekeeping, we should look at one of our biggest indulgences.”

Kendra peered up at the man at his pulpit, curious as to what he thought our biggest indulgence might be. She was also curious as to what Aunt Ivy had been doing with that compact mirror.

“We, as a people, are entirely too consumed with being busy. This time of year is frequently among the busiest. We want to make the rounds with family and friends. Christmas parties for work, school, clubs and even here at Saint Andrew’s. We’re busy shopping, baking, visiting, watching Christmas specials and the latest Hollywood blockbusters. We’re busy being busy and it’s drowning out the still, quiet voice that invites us to a tiny stable in Bethlehem.”

Kendra thought of the Nativity Scene she had passed on the way into the church. It stood in stark contrast to all the twinkly glitz and glamor of the Christmas she was used to.

“I’m reminded of the hymn, Silent Night. How many of us have one of those? Be honest now. We’re lucky if we have a couple of minutes to unwind between work or school and whatever we fill our evenings with. In fact, I think a lot of us are afraid to have a quiet moment. We don’t know what to do with ourselves if we aren’t filling every moment with binge-watching our favorite series, social media, texting with friends and family. Is it any wonder that there’s neither time nor inclination to engage in the kind of quiet contemplation that Advent is supposed to embody?”

Kendra could see his point, but the idea of sitting around pondering… what?

“That’s exactly why we need the Season of Advent. It’s time to slow down and regain our bearings. If we approach Christmas the way we approach our everyday lives, then the miracle that is the birth of Christ is just another spectacle among the seasonal fireworks. It’s not special. It’s not sacred. It’s just another pop in the microwave while you wait for your bag of popcorn to finish.”

Suddenly, Kendra was hungry for kettle corn. She hoped he was going to wrap this up soon.

“That’s no way to celebrate the holidays. Yay, baby’s in the manger. Next.” Father Dave paused to let that sink in. “Not for me. Not for us. We are the family of Christ. We are looking forward to the Silent Night. We are looking for that sublime moment when God became part of His creation for the first time in history. We are looking for a miracle, folks. It’s hard to see it if we don’t slow down, take a deep breath and truly watch for it.”

Kendra was wondering if maybe she should have gone to Sunday School after all. Looks like this guy could go all day.

“So, on this Advent Sunday of Peace, let us dedicate ourselves to making time in our lives and room in our hearts for the coming of the Word Made Flesh. Amen. Please rise and join me in O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”

Another song, another transition. Kendra was glad things were getting back on track. Another glimpse at Aunt Ivy showed her packing her compact back into her purse.

“Aunt Ivy, are you alright?” Kendra whispered under the music.

“Yes, why?”

“You keep getting your mirror out. I didn’t know if you had an eyelash in your eye or something.”

“Something like that.” Her aunt said with an embarrassed grin. She pointed to the line they were on in the hymnal.

Kendra knew her aunt was up to something if she was trying to distract her with Christmas music. ‘Nice try.’