# A melody of hope: expectant joy
*2008-12-02*

> Bill Young reflects on the theme of expectant joy during Advent, drawing from the writings of Rev. James Field to encourage a slower, more prayerful preparation for Christ's coming.

## A Prayer for Favors

Before diving into today's reflections, I want to share a prayer that my aunt, Sister Mary Teresa, gave me many years ago. It is a prayer to obtain favors, typically prayed around Christmas time: "Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary at midnight in Bethlehem in piercing cold. In that hour, oh my God, hear my prayer and grant my desires through the merits of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed Mother. Amen."

## The Rhythm of Advent

As we move through the first week of Advent, the sun sets early, and we begin to notice the darkness and the chill everywhere. Usually, the remedy for the winter blues is found in the rush of Christmas shopping, partying, and decorating. However, Advent bids us to hold back. 

Think of an expectant mother. While there are things to be done, the rhythm of her life is more about slowing down than picking up the pace. She focuses on the one who is coming. She has a greater desire for quiet, for rest, and for simplifying her life as she talks about her hopes and dreams. She possesses an expectant joy.

## Preparing the Soul

The same can be true for us during Advent. It is good to stay with this feeling of anticipation rather than rushing headlong into spending and partying. For now, the Advent wreath, a candle in the window, and an empty crib are enough. 

The empty crib reminds us that our task in Advent is to reawaken in our souls the desire to see the face of God. It fosters an expectant attitude about the end of our earthly journey. Our hope in Christ's coming to us is rekindled by the grateful reconciliation of His first coming.

## Responding with Service

Early Christians had a passion for finding places in need of God's healing touch. Today, those places might be where there is abuse of women in the Congo, poverty in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, or the dark places of addiction and despair in our own cities. 

I encourage you to name a place of need and write its name under the candle of the crib this week. Fold those people into your prayers and ask the Lord what you must do to help.

*Advent is a time to slow down and cultivate an expectant joy that opens our hearts to both the coming of Christ and the needs of the human family.*