A time to wait
The season of Advent (the time we wait and prepare for Christmas) reminds us to be patient, to wait and to expect God’s presence in the world. Advent means “the arrival of a notable person or thing”. In the Christian tradition this is the expectation and anticipation of the arrival of Jesus Christ. But this season is a reminder for everyone to expect and hope for new beginnings. It is a reminder to find God incarnated in every moment. For me it is a time to go slower, to think about key relationships and to remind myself to be patient.
Soulfulness is about being patient and wait for that moment of meaningful awareness, that moment where God’s presence is experienced in any simple way.
Expansion
I recently read an advent reflection of the Centre for Action and Contemplation and I found a metaphor that is applicable to everyone. Author Stephanie Duncan Smith writes of Mary’s yes to God as a choice for expansion over contraction, mirroring God’s own yes in creation. Our challenge is to challenge ourselves during this time to choose growth, to stretch ourselves and to keep creating.
She writes:
“Advent is nothing if not the story of beginnings, revealing a God who dares to expand, who chooses enlargement over happiness, no matter the chaos. This season shows us the astonishing view of a God gone radial, one who will never stop reaching toward his beloved, no matter the risks. And so, in the true spirit of Advent, we find our courage to chance.“
Soulfulness is about the courage to find growth and expansion in every moment. When we choose the growing edge, we often find out true self!
- Is there an area where you can stretch yourself this season?
- How and where can 2026 be a new beginning for you?
- Maybe God is reminding you of expansion over contraction?
May this advent be a time of wait and wonder and hope.
Merry Christmas!
Please share your creative stories or soulful ideas with me at andre@besoulful.co.za.
If you want to schedule a retreat day for a small group, let me know!