A Season of Waiting
“In the tender compassion of our Lord the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace” (The Canticle of Zechariah, based on Luke 1:78-79).
Women of Mission: Following the Star
The Advent and Christmas seasons are full of journeys. At the beginning of Advent, we read that Mary, soon after conceiving Jesus, traveled what must have been a very physically challenging journey to stay with her cousin Elizabeth. Then, when we celebrate Christmas, we read about Mary and Joseph’s (again, likely very difficult) journey to Bethlehem, where Mary gave birth to her Son. Finally, at Epiphany, we read about the Wise Men’s journey to meet their Savior.
This year has been a journey. Every year is, but 2020, especially, has felt more arduous and demanding than most that we have seen. Traveling through the last 12 months has left many of us feeling weary, disconnected, and distracted.
However, Advent is a gift, a time for us to remember our mission and why we are traveling this journey as Christians seeking a closer union with our Savior.
As we travel through Advent and begin 2021, allow your eyes and heart to be redirected and transformed by the light of Christ. As Mary, Joseph, and the Wise Men followed the star of Bethlehem, let us focus ourselves this Advent on Jesus, our true star, our hope, our light, and our God.
For the last few years, the music app Spotify has released users’ “top listens” for the year, including genres, albums, and songs. It provides you with the average time you listened to your favorite song, the number of times you played it, and similar data.
I woke up this morning, looked at Instagram, and noticed it must have been the day Spotify released its top listens, because everyone on my feed was posting about it. I, too, posted my most-listened-to song — “Beloved,” by Mumford and Sons. Anyone who knows me knows that my love for Mumford and Sons music is comical, but the words behind this band’s folk rock music have followed me over the years through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.
The song “Beloved” came out two years ago and had a significant impact at a time in my life when I was suffering from a miscarriage. The lyrics, “time is not on our side, but I'll pretend that it’s alright. She says the Lord has a plan. But admits it’s pretty hard to understand,” played through my head as I clung to hope that God’s will would prevail … and I waited.
A Season of Waiting
Maybe it’s because as a Church, we put an emphasis on the word “waiting” once or twice a year, but for some reason, this word is in my head and won’t leave. Two days into December, and Spotify was ready for the year to be over, releasing our top songs for 2020. There are still 29 more days in the month; couldn’t it wait? I am quite certain that early December is the time they release it every year, but let’s admit we truly are ready to put this year behind us.
Seeing that this song was my most-listened-to was a healthy reminder that the Lord does have a plan for me, and the wait, no matter how painful it might be, will be worth it, whether in this life or another. Maybe you’re waiting for the job offer, the proposal, the perfect man, the baby ... The list could go on and on, but our reminder to wait is so clear this season as we shake off a year of uncertainty, pain, confusion, and frustration.
The Journey Continues
While we sit and observe this Advent season, it is so difficult to remain patient and in the moment. There is so much to wish away from this year, but the reality is, we are on a constant journey, and we are asked to persevere and remain faithful. Let us use Mary as our guide, to carry the light of hope and to follow Christ wherever He may lead us.
After my miscarriage in early 2019, I waited and welcomed a new baby in April 2020, during the heightened uncertainty that quarantine life brought. My story is like so many others; it is not unordinary. So many of you are going through excruciatingly difficult times, and my time of waiting was nothing in comparison to what others are experiencing. For them, I pray.
This year will end, but our journey toward a life of faith, hope, and charity will always be our goal. No matter the season of life we are in, it is these virtues that we must rely on in our dark times. I pray you all find peace and joy during this Advent season as we await the birth of our Savior.
Colleen Godinez is a freelance copywriter living in Kansas City. She graduated from Kansas State University with a BS in psychology and a minor in journalism and mass communication. In her spare time, she loves laughing with friends and family and finding new wines to sip on (sparkling rose on warmer days). She has learned to appreciate the little things in life and soaks up every moment she can with her two kids and husband. You can follow her on Facebook or Instagram.