December 2015 Philadelphia Chapter of Pax Christi U.S.A.

Advent’s Call

Dorothy Day died November 29, 1980, the last day of the church year. She was already with God when the first Sunday of Advent, the new church year, began on November 30, 1980.

The liturgical season of Advent, a four-week period prior to Christmas, marks the beginning of the year for all Christians. The rhythm of the church year moves through the birth, the life, the death, and the resurrection of Christ, ending with a season of discipleship, until Advent comes around again.

Advent has always been a time of preparation - preparation for the mystery of the incarnation - the gift of Jesus, at Christmas. Historically, Advent practices have been ones of penitence, of introspection, of renewal and waiting for the coming reign of God.

Yet in the secular world, we are caught up with another kind of preparation—decorations, parties, baking those favorite Christmas goodies, tree trimming, and shopping for special gifts for friends and family. It’s a swirl of activity.

The contrast of these two types of preparation is stunning. One is an outward action filled with busy activities. The other is an inward movement of self-examination and reflection. It is easy to lose the sense of Advent in the rush to prepare for Christmas.

So, can we take time to sit, to reflect, to wait, to anticipate, expecting the unexpected coming of Christ into our lives year after year after year, so that at the end of our time we can make the journey home to God as Dorothy Day did?

Advent is about choice—choosing to turn to God, knowing that God’s reign is close at hand. It requires us to slow down; to contemplate again God’s reaching out to us with unconditional love.

Advent helps us remember that God comes to us slowly, in hidden ways, silently, in unexpected forms. Each year we listen again and notice God’s sure and steady approach.

Advent usually begins with apocalyptic readings from the Gospel and the Old Testament. These readings startle us; they jolt us into paying attention, even in our fast-paced world. We hear Luke’s powerful warning, “People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” Wake up, Advent proclaims, something earth shattering is about to happen!

Then every year we find ourselves in the desert, having to pass John the Baptist, who shouts, “Repent—for the kingdom of God is drawing near.” With finger raised to heaven, John tells us what Advent is all about: “I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” John continues, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” This is not sweet, sentimental reading. It is challenging reading that awakens us to life’s realities from God’s perspective.

Finally we meet Mary and Joseph in a perplexed state of wonder. They ponder what the angel has announced to them. Somehow, these two faithful Jews are open to hearing the strange and puzzling news. They are filled with obedience to do what the angel asks of them. Mary questions, “How can this be?” and Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose Mary to public disgrace, plans to dismiss her quietly. It is then that the angel asks them not to be afraid.

Our journey through Advent is treacherous. It is not a party time. If we are ready to listen to these ancient texts, we are shaken to our core, broken open for God to work. What God promises is an unexpected life, a life filled with God’s grace. We too, like Mary and Joseph are asked not to be afraid of the new challenges to come in the new year ahead.

Advent is about new life. But new life does not come until we are ready to receive it. Advent is that time of preparation when God speaks to us—deep within us.

Dorothy Day’s life illuminates that deep joy and obedience which comes from constantly listening to God. Her words continue to speak even in our day;

“As we come to know the seriousness of the situation, the war, the racism, the poverty in our world, we come to realize that things will not be changed simply by words or demonstrations. Rather, it's a question of living one's life in a drastically different way. As Dostoyevsky said: 'Love in action is a harsh and dreadful thing compared with love in dreams.’”

When we decide to live the season of Advent in an obedient and reflective way, then we will surely be able to receive the gift of Christmas as more than a beautiful story or a wish dream. It becomes a life-shaping time, a call to recommit our lives as followers of Christ, as people who dare respond to God’s call at whatever time of life we find ourselves.

Geneva Butz

Rev. Dr. Geneva Butz is active in many peace and justice activities … she is Pastor Emertia of Old First Reformed United Church of Christ and member of Bainbridge House.

*sunflower woodcut: Robert McGovern