The Beauty of the Liturgical Season of Advent

The liturgical season of Advent is my absolute favorite time of year. It brings back wonderful memories of growing up in my home parish, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Augusta, Georgia. I loved that youthful time of innocent wonder and anticipation (probably more of Santa than the birth Jesus in those days). However, there was still a mystery that surrounded those often cold and bluish, purple days of Advent. A mystical cloud of anticipation hung over the church and the old brick parish hall.

The influence of the church with its beautiful Advent music, Advent wreath along with the chill in the air had a profound impact on my early spiritual formation. Even today I still sing from my heart all the rich Advent hymns and Anthems that we learned in Good Shepherd's Junior/Children's Choir. "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," along with the Charles Wesley hymn, "Lo He Comes with Clouds Descending" are both ever present tunes, readily perched on my lips.

As a visual artist I am drawn to the rich darkness and highlights of piercing light that is associated with Advent. There is also a feel and presence in the church that is different from any other time of the year. Advent is a season in which fear and joy collide giving birth to peace; might and humility melt into one another; light and darkness bind together and form an incredible holiness. In other words, "The Lion and the Lamb (opposites) lay down beside one another," and there is a quiet and transorming peacful hush that falls across the landscape of God's creation.

I wish each of you a most happy and blessed Advent Season, and hope that you too may find its mystery attractive and meaningful.