Advent 4.5: Eve

It is the day before the day before Christmas, and I am watching snow fall outside the windows, listening to carols, sitting still, taking a rest from preparing for tomorrow's journey.

Journeying is the theme of the fourth week of Advent in some traditions. Mary and Joseph journeyed to Bethlehem. We journey to see family. We journey, in our hearts, toward preparation for the One Who Comes. (For the past few days I have posted the O Antiphons, which help my own journey toward readiness--though are we ever ready? Check out the surprisingly helpful Wikipedia entry on the O Antiphons if, like for me, liturgical traditions aren't so familiar for you.)

Solstice has passed; the days are growing longer again. I spent that darkest of days, this year, studying and then baking cookies and simmering chili on the stove and then sitting and reflecting with a number of delightful women, the scent of citrus on our hands, the weight of waiting on our shoulders.

Light is coming.