The Art of Living in Advent invites readers to enter into the overarching narrative of Advent as it is practiced in Provence, France, to participate in the story of how God came to be with us, through reflections and activities that will enrich our own day to day Advent pilgrimage. Readers learn to see the signs of God’s presence and to be signs themselves. The goal is to help readers live in every season as though it were a new Advent, watching and waiting for opportunities to come to Christ as He comes to us, in our time and place, in solitude with him and in companionship with our neighbors. It’s all about learning to become adventish – the kind of person who knows how to wait joyfully for Christ to come – in all the seasons of life.
Advent Waiting
Why observe Advent? Who likes to wait? Well, some things are worth waiting for, like meeting the God who created the heavens and the earth, then took a walk with Adam and Eve, the crowns of his creation.
A Child’s Advent in Provence
Let me tell you about my own Advents, as a child in Provence. Our nativity scene relocated the manger from Bethlehem to my own country, southern France! The trees, style of the manger, and even the people were typical of my region. Of course, we know that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, but placing the manger in our land captures something important and deeply true. Why?
Doing Advent
Here’s why. Observing and building a nativity scene that reflects your own country, town, and home can be an exercise in remembering and waiting for the gift of God’s presence right where you are. Waiting prepares us to welcome Jesus into our lives. Additionally, my Provençal nativity scene depicts both Jesus coming to us and men, women, and children coming to the babe in the manger. We call these village figures santons, or “little saints.” They remind me that Jesus welcomes ordinary everyday saints – set apart – even as they welcome him.
“Advent” means arrival, a “coming to.” What happened to the shepherds and the Holy Family still happens not only in Bethlehem or southern France, but everywhere. Jesus is alive, and he continues to come to us, wherever we are. Advent today provides a precious opportunity to watch and wait for God to come to us, to be with us, and yes (why not), even to resume the conversation that was so rudely interrupted in the first garden.
Advent is a time of training. It’s hard to wait! But there’s still something worth waiting for: Jesus’ second Advent, and all those daily advents through which God graces our present lives. Come, Lord Jesus!
Suggested practices, with brief explanations:
Sylvie Vanhoozer was born and raised in Provence, France. A certified botanic artist and retired French teacher, she now focuses her attention on her writing and art, inspired in part by the various places which she has called home. She is also the author and illustrator of The Art of Living in Seasons: A Year of Reflections for Everyday Saints. She and her husband live in the Chicago suburbs and have two adult daughter and one son-in-law.