The following story first appeared in the Winter 2005 Glenmary Challenge.
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An Advent Meditation
What can you hear if you listen to your heart? Take the time to find out.
By Father Dan Dorsey

December is such a hectic month: parties, shopping, Christmas cards, decorating. There are so many expectations, it is almost as if we are hostages of the season. One day blurs into another. Christmas Day often finds us exhausted and uninspired.

Yet something as simple as an Advent wreath can help us begin to focus amidst the holiday blur. Its candles illuminate the darkness of December and remind us of the profound event unfolding before our eyes.

I invite you—with or without an Advent wreath—to take a few moments from the busyness of this season to ponder the mystery of the Word becoming flesh. Walk with me on an Advent journey…

First, find a place that is peaceful—somewhere you will not be disturbed. Sit in a comfortable chair (but not too comfortable) and close your eyes. Allow the quiet to take hold of you.

Imagine that you are alone in the middle of a forest and snow is gently falling. There isn’t a sound—only peace and quiet. Let a sense of serenity and well-being come over you as you gaze at the snowflakes. Listen to the quiet.

Listen to the sounds of your heart—of your life. These sounds may be faint, but they are unmistakable: They are your dreams, discouragements, hopes, fears. Do you hear what I hear?

As you become more accustomed to the quiet, tune your ear to the voice of a young woman in the distance. The voice will sound vaguely familiar—like the voice of a loved one that you have not seen for a long time. It is clear and gentle—but troubled. The woman seems to be in conversation with someone.

You hear fear in her voice as she questions her visitor: “How can this be?” (Luke 1:34). Her question is at once a combination of doubt and awe. It is ripe with confusion and bewilderment.

Other words are spoken, but you can’t make them out. Then there is quiet.

Listen to the quiet. It is filled with the dark of nights and the light of days. It contains the hopes and fears, the doubts and joys of humanity from the beginning of time. Quiet.

After a long time you hear a single word spoken: “Yes” (Luke 1:38).

One word uttered by a young woman transforms everything in an instant. The Word of God is made flesh. The Light of the World pierces the darkness of human hearts. The eyes of the blind are opened. The deaf hear. Suddenly, thousands of joyful voices fill the quiet: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14).

Rejoice! A new and glorious day has dawned. Christ is the Lord!

As your Advent journey draws to a close, take a few moments to listen again to the sounds of your heart. Do you hear a voice in you raising Mary’s question (”How can this be?”) as you listen deeply to whatever God is calling you to become or to do during these December days?

Let the serenity and quiet of the snowy forest give way to the joy and hope that is born of Mary. And remember that God is waiting to be born in each of our lives as well. Will you say yes?

From all our Glenmary missioners, I wish you a blessed Advent and a joy-filled Christmas—and I thank you for saying yes and partnering with us in our home mission work. Be assured I will be remembering you in our Glenmary Christmas Novena.