Advent Day 1: Rituals
A note before beginning: Historically, Advent is a time of anticipation leading up to the Christmastide. Presently, this season has turned into one giant commercial for a very Hollywood version of Christmas. Traditionally, however, the season has been a lot more subversive. It was a time of fasting, lamenting, and most of all hoping for the arrival of a king who would end oppression and restore peace and justice to the world.
Even more subversive was the idea that this king would arrive in the form of a helpless baby, but more on that later.
Personally, it’s one of my favorite times of the year. It’s a journey and a ritual. It’s not everyone’s journey or ritual, but I’ve still compiled some thoughts for our coffee community. I hope it’s not preachy, but an invitation into mystic joy and wonder— maybe in the places we least expect it.
———————
Rituals are either invitations or obligations.
•
One of those is joyful. The other, not so much.
•
One of my favorite rituals is brewing a cup of coffee in the morning. You too, perhaps?
•
Another favorite ritual of mine is Advent, but it’s no secret that this season comes with the temptation to overfill our schedules.
•
Don’t let the holidays BE an obligation. You will certainly have your fair share of obligations during this season, but don’t let the entire holiday become one endless, overarching, all-consuming to-do list.
•
Instead, be invited into the mystery and wonder that the season brings. Make space to enjoy it. Expect something good to happen. Hope for something at the eleventh hour. Feel the warmth of those around you, even on the coldest night. As Wendell Berry says it, “Be joyful though you have considered all the facts.”
•
Obligations put the pressure on you to perform. Invitations take the pressure to perform off of you and allow you to be a joyful participant.
•
Whether Advent is a ritual that you enjoy, or if your ideal ritual is just a cup of coffee in the morning, our invitation is to be a joyful participant.
•
That’s something we all need. Especially in times like this.