On the first Sunday of Advent it is heartening to see the Advent wreath take pride of place in our Churches. The wreath which is circular in shape is a symbol of unity and wholeness. It is a form that represents our journey in constant movement from birth to death to rebirth. The evergreen woven around the frame of the wreath reminds us of our connection with the environment and to see ecological conversion and outreach to the most vulnerable as integral to our preparation for Christ’s coming. The four candles represent the bibical themes of each of the four weeks of advent - Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. As the central candle, that represents Christ, is lit on Christmas Day, a sense of joy and harmony fill the church in gratitude for the love that is made incarnate by the coming of Christ.
For us, Infant Jesus Sisters, there is no better time than Advent to reflect on our Founder’s words taken from Letter 36.
v “First of all dwell on wonder, allowing yourself to be taken over by a sense of awe at the sight of God reaching out to you as though you were the only one who mattered.”
v “Bow down in adoration before God whose greatness exceeds all we could ever imagine.”
v “Pay attention to silence.. ….. hearing the gentle voice of God in the depth of our heart.”
v “Enter into your own nothingness before the immense greatness of God”
Waiting in contemplation helps to transform our lives.
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