Advent has long been my favorite liturgical season. Something about the colder weather, the imagery of light shining in darkness, and the joy that accompanies preparation for Christmas has always made it a little bit easier for me to sense God’s presence in this time.
But this year, like with many things, Advent feels different. I feel unsure how to prepare for a Christmas that I can’t predict. I have not yet decided whether I will be going to see my parents or staying in Boston. I don’t know if I need to mail Christmas presents or not. I don’t know if I will be going to Mass on Christmas. There is so much unknown in the next month that it feels a little overwhelming.
So how do we prepare for a Christmas like this, with so much uncertainty? As I was reflecting on this question, it occurred to me that in some ways, it might be the most authentic type of Advent possible.
