Canon Richard invites us to embrace Advent as a journey of faith, moving from brokenness to greater wholeness through Christ’s unconditional love. He reflects on life as an exciting pilgrimage with Jesus, who walks with us through challenges and renews our joy.
The Season of Advent 2024
This week, we begin a new journey in the Church’s liturgical year: the season of Advent.
Most of us get caught up in the hustle and bustle of meeting the challenges of each day. In doing so, we sometimes forget to step back and look at the more significant perspectives of our journey in life. One theme that runs throughout Holy Scripture this church season of Advent, is “journey.”
I’m sure some of you have come across cynics or skeptics who look at life and see it as a linear journey from life to death that is ultimately devoid of any significant meaning. You probably have come across those who have said, in a very fatalistic way, “You put in your time and die.” I certainly sympathize with those who may feel this way, but I cannot understand such a limited and pessimistic view of human existence.
No matter what situation we find ourselves in—political turmoil, social upheaval, or personal challenges—how we view our path in life is foundational to who we are as disciples of Christ. As followers of Jesus Christ, life is an exciting adventure from life through death to a new and more abundant life.
Each of us must come to grips with both physical and spiritual death. Daily, the forces of brokenness assault us, evil, sin, or whatever negative term encompasses this reality for us. To walk in the path of Jesus, with him by your side, is to embrace the one who will walk with you and support you through the little deaths of each day and ultimately through your physical passing from this life to the next.
The first truth to be grasped about this Christian journey is that it involves everyone moving from brokenness to greater wholeness. Another aspect of this journey is understanding that Jesus loves us totally and unconditionally. That deep love calls forth a response from us. His love automatically invites every one of us to care for and serve others, friends and strangers alike.
A third aspect of this pilgrimage is recognizing that when you sacrifice and suffer because you are on this journey with Christ, your burden is shared by the Lord, who has redeemed all suffering.
For each of us who journeys with Christ, an ultimate aspect of the journey is that it leads you from confusion or even misplaced certainty to an acceptance that each step of the journey has meaning and ultimately is blessed. This renewed joy comes as surely as did the cry of the child of Mary, who began his earthly journey in a stable in Bethlehem some 2000 years ago.
I pray your Advent journey this 2024 may be filled with fresh discoveries and a renewed commitment to walk the path before you, with Christ always by your side.
Cn. Richard
