Lenten devotionals offered at church have become one of my favorite pieces of literature each spring. A great way to help set the tone for the forty day journey. And now, Advent devotionals have found a similar place of prominence in my heart.
There is so much to the words that have been chosen to detail and reveal faith. And as I have told a close friend on numerous occasions, each time I am present for a reading or the homily, I hear something new. Another nugget of the greater lesson to consider and add to my understanding. Words that if taken to heart and applied to life, affirm grace and provide peace
Take “adventus” for example.
The Latin word from which advent was born. The Catholic Exchange takes it a few steps farther:
“Adventus is a form of the verb advenio which is defined not only as arrive, come to, but also as develop, set in, and arise. Adventus itself also refers to an invasion, incursion, ripening, and appearance—all denotations that are rich with implications for the gospel accounts of Christ.
So if you think about it, the rhyme for this season is not only centered on an arrival, or the coming. But in a deeper sense, it has everything to do with development. Incursion. And ripening.
Advent is about developing a rhythm of life that instills purpose within the waiting. It is about allowing the words to find their way not just into your head through your ears. But into your soul through your heart. Letting them nurture and sustain you throughout the coming weeks – and beyond.
So that your faith can grow and bloom in full.
Fully open for Christmas day.
...my temporary assignment. 