Advent calendars are special things.  The season of Advent is a season of anticipation of what is to come, with signs and events that suggest, the mysterious, far flung, but ultimately inevitable occurrence of something majestic and wonderful.  The calendar counts out, with the simple act of opening of each day’s window, the building sense of expectation and celebration that in the Christian tradition was brought to flesh in the moment of the Christ’s nativity.  Something majestic, something wonderful.

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them; fear not.  for behold,  I bring you tidings of great joy, which will be to all people

for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,  which is Christ the Lord”                            the gospel of  St.Luke 2:8-11

With each passing day, hints of a better world.  We are living in the season of Advent now, and after what seems like years in the wilderness, we are beginning to see ourselves in a new light.  Following a protracted era of prostration, self absorption, and apology for our humanness, there seems to be momentum towards a new found truth.  Not that the world is perfect, or should be perfect, but that its acknowledged imperfections is an order of truth that brings some hope for a better world.  We are no longer viewing ourselves as problems, but bringing the problems themselves into the light of truth, and a potential road to solution.

The truths can be painful when first illuminated.  But just as Newton’s laws of physics imply an equal and opposite reaction for every action, so do I painful truths hold the kernels of salvation.  Helping oneself first positions others to be able to be helpful.  The world can be harsh and unjust, but there is the overwhelming call to love and justice that is core of our humanity.  Evil triumphs when good men do nothing, but evil only exists as a stimulant for good people to rise together and stamp out its existence.

With each passing day it seems the world is opening the windows to the truth again, being willing to say things that need to be said, to set the table to do things that need to be done. Thought leaders are being to debate the means for solutions for problems, not apologizing for problems. Recognizing the human dignity that comes with having a purpose in life.  Seeing the progress that comes with coalescing behind a challenge, rather than exploiting divisions.  Improving the real world, rather than holding  all accountable for a world that doesn’t exist.  With each window on the calendar, more insight, more clues, more anticipation of the opening of the next window.

At the end of the advent calendar, all the disparate events that led up to the final window come to fruition,  and joy becomes total.  And yet, there is always the recognition, that the work does not end in the realization of a dream, but only the continued hard work perpetually required in defeating the forces of chaos that seek to deinnervate the miracle.

“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief”                            Isaiah  53:3

There are glimmers of hope among the sorrows.  We need to hold our heads up, open each window, and bravely see through to the other side.

Enjoy this season of Advent.  Good things are coming.