Advent happens and it is beyond our control.
Advent happens whether we have all the time in the world or a little bit.

That’s the truth Jesus is teaching in this tiny parable.

“From the fig tree learn its lesson:
as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves,
you know that summer is near.
So also, when you see these things taking place,
you know that he is near, at the very gates.”   – Mark 13:28-33

Advent happens. And the invitation is there to pay attention to our soul’s deepest longings,
and then see if we can find a way to do something that is good for the life of the world.

There is much we can’t do: world peace, worship in childhood churches now closed, maybe attend the events we want without risk of illness, solve child poverty or the climate crisis.

Advent happens anyway.

We can invest whatever time and energy we have in looking for the signs around us that reveal Jesus’ tender presence.

The One who is coming is already here. That’s the mystery of Advent.

Maybe there are three simple ways to practice Advent:
We can do one simple thing for the good of our own selves, body and soul, that gives us hope, or peace, or joy.
We can do one simple thing for someone we love giving them special hope or peace or joy.
We can do one thing for the common good, like supporting a food bank, or a charity, meeting someone different from ourselves, learning about a justice issue we know little about.

May hope prevail over fear.
May we do what we can do and trust the Divine for what we cannot.
May we work and rest and get ready to welcome you, again and again.