The Tension of Advent
By Jenna Kandas
Advent, the season of preparation for Christmas, brings with it a few weeks of darkness while we prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of the Light, the birth of our Lord. I’ve always loved the dichotomy that the season of Advent brings: the joy of the holidays, seeing loved ones, celebrating with friends, while also scrambling about to prepare for Christmas through grocery shopping, gift buying, home decorating, etc. The tension between what already is and what is to come gently persuades us to contemplate the significance of Jesus’s birth. The event whereby the Word becomes Incarnate concretely sets in motion the plan of Salvation. For generations the plan had been unfolding, and by His birth, the most crucial aspect, indeed the corner stone, of the plan is set in motion.
The tension of what already is and what is to come, is really us remembering that we have been redeemed through Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection while also keeping in mind that we have not fully entered into the wholeness of life that this redemption offers us. Only when Jesus returns, or we return to Him, will be be able to - God willing - step into the fullness of redemption, eternally united with Jesus in Heaven.
Not only do we feel this tension spiritually during the holidays, but we see it physically manifest in our families. For me, when the holidays roll around, they come with this weird nostalgia that desires to avoid the current situation of what already is and what it is that I long for; specifically, authentic reunion with my family in Heaven. Growing up, holidays were full of drama, unmet and un-communicated expectations, but even still, I long for something that is spoken about all holiday season, something that I realistically can’t have in the right now.
I understand that amongst all the holiday cheer there is also room for an unmet desire. Maybe that includes not being able to spend holidays with someone you love, or holiday circumstances unfolding in unexpected and disappointing ways. Please know you’re not alone, and the holiday season is just that: a season. The biggest thing I had to grapple with the past few holiday seasons was allowing my self to feel and acknowledge the disappointment, heartache, and sadness that comes with holidays not turning out as pictured.
Fortunately for us Catholics, Advent is meant to be a time of darkness in order to prepare us for the Light to come. There is meant to be tension, grappling, wrestling, and all the emotions that come with the spiritual battle. With each new liturgical year, the Lord is bringing us closer to what is to come; ultimately union with Him in Heaven, but that also includes the fulfillment of the utmost desires of our hearts, whatever they look like. May the promise of the Light to come fill our hearts with hope this holiday season.