People who are
feeling discontented or vaguely depressed are often counseled to do some
volunteer work. Helping others seems to lift us above our own limited
perspective and makes us more aware of our own blessings.
Advent performs this function for Christians. During Advent we are called to
make space for God in our hearts, which entails clearing away our
preoccupations and often petty concerns. Advent points away from us to God, and
what a relief it is to focus on something other than our worries, judgments, and
pursuit of self-gratification! When we stay focused on God rather than
ourselves, we are better able to see the many blessings that have been ours all
along.
Mahri
Leonard-Fleckman notes that in Isaiah 11:2, “fear of the Lord” connotes deep
reverence, awe, and respect “and is the king’s ultimate ‘delight,’ a word that
translates literally as ‘wideness’ or ‘spaciousness.’” Advent invites awe of Christ,
who became flesh out of love for us. That awe leads to a spaciousness in our
understanding of our purpose, our giftedness, and the way we are called to interact
with others.
As you clear a
space for God this Advent—whether that entails doing a service project, giving alms,
making a retreat, or lighting candles in prayer—may you experience the reverence
that leads to delight, gratitude, and a spaciousness of spirit.
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