By Sara Knutson, assistant director of Campus Ministry
We haven’t bought the tree yet. We haven’t decorated. We haven’t bought our gifts for family and friends. Most of the Christmas parties are still ahead of us. For my new husband and I, our first Advent together is shaping up to be full of fun, but also full of tasks to accomplish.
Maybe because of all those looming obligations, my daily morning prayer has become more simple.
I pull open the blinds as usual and watch the first rays of sun coming over the neighborhood to the east. I settle into my usual prayer spot on the couch and let my gaze rest on the constant traffic going through the intersection just out the window. We live in a bustling car and bus-filled neighborhood similar to Marquette’s, but the morning has a softer tone — and this Advent I’ve spent a few minutes simply sitting in silence, watching and listening.
In a sense, I’m mirroring what Advent is about:
Watching for the graces of God in the world and in my life;
Listening for God’s voice in my prayer and the small moments of the day;
Pondering what needs to change in my life as Jesus’ arrival draws near.
May you experience God’s blessings as you watch, listen, ponder and prepare for Christ’s coming…. alongside checking off your own to-do list.