Advent Calendar -- Angela Harding
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God...
We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Romans 8: 18-19, 22-25
When our children were young we had a simple wooden Advent calendar made by a parishioner. Each box contained a verse and a treat and each of the three guarded their days zealously. It was a good way to build anticipation as we made our way toward Christmas.
Over the years I've noticed that Advent calendars have become popular, even though they usually have nothing to do with this season of the Christian year which moves from darkness to light in anticipation of the coming of Jesus as infant child and risen Christ. Hey, if you can appropriate and secularize Christmas and Easter, why not other religious observances?
This year there was a kerfuffle over a supposed Advent calendar offered by the fashion company Chanel. It was criticized as a cynical grab by Chanel to charge more than a $1000 (Canadian) for what are largely trinkets and baubles not worth anywhere near that amount. Given the actual meaning of Advent it does seem obscene.
Not-an-Advent-Calendar -- Chanel
I'll admit that I am intrigued by the Advent calendars created by British artist Angela Harding. They are not religious but they celebrate the beauty of creation. I'll also confess that I covet them, but they are a challenge to get in Canada.
During these past two years of the pandemic we have found great solace in the natural world, getting outside as often as possible to walk, paddle, cycle, and camp. In the early months of 2020 we were often alone wherever we went exploring but as time progressed many locations became quite busy as people who weren't previously outdoorsy discovered the beauty around them. Lots of folk put up birdfeeders and bought binoculars. We are in the midst of the Christmas Bird Count for 2021 https://www.birdscanada.org/bird-science/christmas-bird-count/
I don't know that Romans 8 would readily come to mind as an Advent passage but it does seem that all Creation, not just humanity is struggling and even suffering. While we aren't sure that we'll be able to attend in-person worship over Christmas we can go outside and give thanks to the God of Creation and Incarnation.
Yes, so much seems ominous and uncertain these days but we can choose to find hope in the beauty of the natural world, in one another, and in the promise of Christ. And this is the winter solace and we now inch our way toward longer daylight hours!
Advent Calendars -- Angela Harding
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