A Rule for Advent

By “rule” I don’t mean rules, as in strictures and limitations but as a practice – as in the Benedictine Rule. St. Benedict was a sixth Century monk who developed a practice for the lives of monks. In addition to the basic vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience it included a set of hours during the day for prayer, worship, working, study, silence, and rest. It was a very structured life, something we can hardly imagine. Pastor Paula went to stay at the Benedictine Monastery in the desert and got a taste of what it means to follow such a patterned daily life. In short, it was great for the four days she was there. It was calming and regenerative. Even the vow of silence (all meals are taken in silence) was refreshing for her. A few years ago, I went on a five day silent retreat that also had a very patterned daily routine. It is hard to adjust to, but the feelings of calm that come over one are healing. I wouldn’t for a minute want to BE a monk and live all my days that way. But once in a while, having such a retreat or to have a rule as a practice during a particular time in our lives can be beneficial.

Most of the time when we think of this sort of thing we think of Lent, but Advent, too, was traditionally understood as a time for preparation for the coming of the Christ Child. The lectionary readings are about watching and waiting, being awake to see the coming child. The irony here is that what actually happens to us during the Advent season is that we prepare for Christmas and in the process go in the exact opposite direction; we become less attentive and more discombobulated. To salvage a little of the spirit of Advent, I propose coming up with a Rule for Advent. It doesn’t have to be much – just some kind of practice that will encourage the sense of wakefulness and calm that has been associated with Advent.

Here are some suggestions:

• Pray three times a day.

• Meditate once or twice a day.

• Read an Advent devotional.

• Attend worship every Sunday in Advent.

• Limit checking email, cell phone or Facebook to twice a day.

• Schedule some time for silence – maybe even a day for silence.

• Limit TV/movie watching to three events per week (including football).

• Do not listen to music while driving.

• Fast from the Internet outside of what is required for work or school.

• Limit spending for Christmas.

• Drive the speed limit.

• Have a family Advent candle lighting ritual.

These are just suggestions. Choose one or more that you think would bring a watchful calm into your life. See you in worship. Pastor Jim