Focus on the Donkey

Happy are all who long for the coming of the Lord.
-Psalm Response-

Advent is a time of waiting for something, or more accurately, for someone. It is a time for happiness that is to be followed by a consummated joy.

The liturgical colour of Advent is purple, not the black lamenting purple of Lent. No, it is the rich purple of desire. We desire a person, Jesus. And this person is being carried in the womb of a frightened but trusting Jewish girl on a donkey.

Advent is a time to focus on the donkey. Donkeys are slow but they are steadfast. As the world revs up to Christmas Day, I am called to slow down to prepare. Prepare for what? Not for a day but for a person. And in my preparing, in my longing, I receive a hint of the joy that is to come.

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!