First Sunday in Advent
As I was walking through the Ljubljana city center late Friday afternoon, the Christmas lights–which are always turned on the Friday before Advent–suddenly lit up, creating a sense of magic. This is the season that captures our belief that divinity can enter our lives. As Isaiah puts it, “The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom.”
To mark the moment, here’s a lovely C.S. Lewis poem. Although it is set in the spring, it captures the Advent longing:
What the Bird Sang Early in the Year
By C.S. Lewis
I heard in Addison’s Walk a bird sing clear:
This year the summer will come true. This year. This year.Winds will not strip the blossom from the apple trees
This year, nor want of rain destroy the peas.This year time’s nature will no more defeat you,
Nor all the promised moments in their passing cheat you.This time they will not lead you round and back
To Autumn, one year older, by the well-worn track.This year, this year, as all these flowers foretell,
We shall escape the circle and undo the spell.Often deceived, yet open once again your heart,
Quick, quick, quick, quick! – the gates are drawn apart.