Advent 2023
Holy Darkness
Holy Light
Reflections for the Season of Advent 2023
by the Rt. Rev. Deon K. Johnson
Introduction
"O Wisdom, coming forth from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from one end to the other mightily, and sweetly ordering all things: Come and teach us the way of prudence." -Ecclesiasticus 24.3; Wisdom 8.1
PREPARATION. EXPECTATION. ANTICIPATION.
The Season of Advent calls the church to a time of intentional hope and longing as we await the incarnation of Jesus at Christmas. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus which means, "coming," "arrival," or "visit". Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. For Christians Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year. During Advent, we prepare for and anticipate the coming of Christ. We remember the longing of our Jewish ancestors for a Messiah and our own longing for, and need of, forgiveness, salvation, and a new beginning.
The focus of the season is the spiritual and practical anticipation and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. This season, with its long nights and short days, holds the desires and yearnings for deliverance from the evils of the world, first expressed by Israelite slaves in Egypt as they cried out from their bitter oppression. It is the cry of those who have experienced the tyranny of injustice in a world under the curse of sin, and yet who have hope of deliverance by a God who has heard the cries of oppressed and brought deliverance!
It is a seeking after hope, however faint at times, that accompanies us through the Season of Advent. Our joyful anticipation of the coming of the Christ Child who will bring a reign of truth, justice, and righteousness is the focus of this season.
Follow the daily reflections:
Click on the headline or the picture for each week to go to the reflections.
Or download a printable version of the entire booklet.
We hope you enjoy this journey through Advent with Bishop Deon!
Sunday, Dec. 3 - Saturday, Dec. 9
The candle of this first week of Advent is a candle of HOPE.
Sunday, Dec. 10 - Saturday, Dec. 16
The candle of this second week of Advent is a candle of PEACE.
Sunday, Dec. 17 - Saturday, Dec. 23
The candle of this third week of Advent is a candle of JOY.
Sunday, Dec. 24
The candle of this fourth week of Advent is a candle of LOVE.
Monday, Dec. 25
"While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." -Luke 2:6-7