By Sister Danielle Gagnon
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloth and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
Luke 2: 8-15
Did the shepherds see the sunrise that I see when I wake early to prepare for my day at school? I sit, in near darkness, a single candle lit and watch the sky take on the colors of Advent. A deep blue draws me close to our mother Mary who waits with me. Both of us a bit anxious, both of us aching for the peace that has been promised. We sit together in the blue hour waiting for the sky to yield its promised Advent purple. It is the color of royalty for our Savior – the Messiah – who is visited by kings but is himself a poor and vulnerable baby born under oppression and the threat of violent persecution. Somehow, almost miraculously, pink appears in the sunrise. Gaudete: joy. Mary and I – still waiting in the quiet of morning – long for the angel to bring the good news that will cause great joy for all people today. Waiting is at the heart of this Advent season: sinking deeply into the morning sunrise, sitting quietly with Mary, seeking the spots of joy all reveal the presence of God. There is peace.
Questions
What has this Advent waiting held for you?
What brings you peace in the midst of the hustle and bustle?
Where and/or to whom do you send peace?