The Art of Living in Advent continues...
“ Our hearts are therefore set on a new Hope, a new pilgrimage, and a new season of discipleship. It turns out that Advent is only an apprenticeship on how to live adventishly in all the seasons ahead. Again, the art of living in all seasons is ultimately about being ready to welcome Christ into our world whenever, wherever, and whatever we happen to be to be and to be doing — even as we wait for the final restoration, his second coming” Sylvie Vanhoozer (The Art of Living in Advent)
The season of Advent for 2025 is now behind us, but for all those in Christ, the art of living in Advent continues. Together, we remain in watchful waiting - knowing that our Christ not only came before but will come again. His second coming will usher in the fulfillment of all of our longing and hope of restoration - as far as the curse is found.
As a team, we have spent the past four weeks learning from Sylvie Vanhoozer about a holiday tradition native to Provence, France - the creche (their take on the nativity scene) and the everyday saints (santons) that join the traditional characters in anticipating Jesus’ birth.
The beauty of the santons mixed in among the wise men and shepherds lies in the powerful reminder that we too have a gift to bring Him - not only in Advent but in all of our days!
As we go forward, closing out a year gone by and welcoming the year to come, may we all do so in the spirit of these little santons. May our attention and affections be ever turned towards our coming King in joyful, watchful waiting as we bring Him our gifts!
“ What can I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a wise man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can give him: give my heart.”
Christina Rossetti (In the Bleak Midwinter)
**If you would like to continue learning about how these everyday saints move away from the creche and find meaningful celebration and work in every season, we recommend you pick up Sylvie’s other book: The Art of Living in Season - A Year of Reflections for Everyday Saints. You can hear an overview of the book and the story behind it on THANKS for doing that podcast episode 28 with Sylvie Vanhoozer (hosted and produced by an Art Department member)!
