Last Day of the Year



photo by Joana Roja

I usually find November depressing. In the Northern hemisphere the hours of daylight are getting far too short for me to feel naturally optimistic. Today it's really cold here and there's snow on the ground - far too early. I'm longing for Spring already.


It's an appropriate time to be yearning for what is promised but not yet here. Today is the last day of the Christian year. Tomorrow is the first Sunday of Advent and the beginning of a new liturgical year. Advent is a season of hope, of waiting in expectation of the coming of Christ into the world. This picture by Joana Roja uses the traditional Advent colour of purple to represent both royalty and the penitential nature of the season. She has added the warm tones and the suggestion of advent candles to represent light in darkness and the longing for what is promised.


I came across a short video by Christine Sine with beautiful images and music by Jeff Johnson. It's her 2010 Advent Meditation. It's focus is the coming of Christ, not only as baby in a stable, but as bringer of the justice and freedom that is not yet fully come.  Click on this link to watch it.  5 minute video by Christine Sine I recommend it.