Advent III: Remembering Uncle Ron
Gaudate Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, or Sunday of Joy is the Sunday we light the pink candle. I remember it most because it is the Sunday of the church's calendar on which I was confirmed in 2001. It is also the Sunday on which my cousin was confirmed in 2002. So, on that day, I always remember Fr. Mike Debrosky, who welcomed me into the family of the Parish of the Mediator (Meridian, MS), and of course, my cousin Rachel who was at All Souls, Washington, DC.
I love Advent, for it's unwillingness to bow to the consumerist message shop till you drop; debt; gifts that are of obligation rather than gifts that are sacramental tokens; red and green instead of purple, blue and pink; hurry up and get now instead of wait. Advent is one of the most deliciously counter-cultural thing we can do. Take a few minutes to not do what all the commercials and peers are telling you to do. Take a moment to just be, and be at peace in the arms of the One who is the Prince of Peace - whose arms are wide enough to all humankind. And enjoy this third week of Advent!
This year, reflecting on all the things Advent means to me, I remember once more the influence of my Uncle Ron on my spiritual life. This time, I notice I'm inspired by his placing seemingly random critters in the family creche at Christmas - I believe I remember bunnies and armadillos in his nativity scene. He was good teaching people that the Holy is all around us - local, indigenous. Perhaps there were no armadillos in Bethlehem when Caesar wanted a census (I suspect there aren't any there now, either). But if Christ were born in a manger today, what would be the animals that would surround him, aware of the Divine being born in their midst? This summer, I went to Kenya, so picked up a few creatures there to place in my creche. This Christmas, it occurs to me I need to add honu (turtles!). I'll look for one.
