The word ‘advent’ signifies a coming or an arrival. Often, when we consider the church season of Advent, we focus solely on the aspect of anticipation. However, this perspective overlooks the profound reality of what has already transpired, what already exists. We are immersed in the Christic Presence. All that is required is for us to open our eyes, the eyes of our hearts, to the present moment and recognize that it is we who are yet to arrive.
Frequently, we find ourselves trapped in the past, entangled in our previous mistakes, or excessively focused on an anticipated future. This preoccupation prevents us from truly being present. We have not fully arrived in the ‘now.’
God is waiting for us to be truly present.
Yesterday, while sitting in my chair, a realization dawned upon me. Advent isn’t merely about waiting, especially not in the traditional sense as understood by many Jesus-followers. Some believe that Advent is a period of waiting for the second coming of Christ. While I respect that interpretation, a different insight emerged for me: to be fully present in the moment is to experience the ever-present, always-existent Presence of a Beautiful and Hidden Mystery. This Presence is more than just before us; it is a part of us, looking out at the world through our own eyes and the eyes of every other person.
In this season of preparation for Christmas, there is a natural sense of anticipation and yearning. However, my reflection this year has led me to realize that it’s not so much about waiting for God to appear. Rather, it’s about acknowledging that God is waiting for us to be truly present. The Divine Reflection began revealing itself some 22 billion years ago with the inception of the Universe.
To be fully here, in the present, means that we become an integral part of the Universal Becoming. It signifies that we are meant to contribute to this Great Unfolding. If we can anchor ourselves in the Here and Now, we might catch a glimpse of the Divine, the One we always thought we were waiting for, who is already present Everywhere, in Everything, and More than All.
Questions to Ponder
- How can we cultivate a deeper sense of being present in the moment, recognizing the ongoing presence of the Divine in our everyday experiences?
- In what ways do our past experiences and future anticipations hinder our ability to fully arrive and engage in the present moment, and how can we overcome these barriers?
- How does the idea of Advent as a time of active participation in the Divine Unfolding challenge or enrich your traditional understanding of this season, and what personal insights does this perspective offer?
Infinitely Precious 