Hold the Holly: Let’s Talk Advent First

Dear Friend,

I recently started reading The Chronicles of Narnia, and as I was reading last night before bed, a line from Mr. Tumnus struck me: “Always winter and never Christmas.”

With the clocks falling back and the days growing shorter, it’s hard not to feel the weight of the early darkness. Here in Nashville, it is getting much colder, and I can understand where Mr. Tumnus’ dread is coming from. The thought of endless winter without the hope of Christmas is almost unbearable.

Yet, so often, we rush past the hope-filled season of Advent straight into Christmas. (Let’s be honest—many of us, myself included, start blasting Mariah Carey on November 1st.) It’s easy to skip over the beauty of Advent, but this season is a sacred time to prepare our hearts for the Lord.

What is Advent?

Advent, from the Latin word adventus meaning “coming,” is a season of anticipation and preparation for the birth of Jesus. Each week of Advent highlights a specific theme—hope, peace, joy, and love—symbolized by the lighting of a new candle on the Advent wreath. It’s not just about getting ready for Christmas Day with shopping, baking, and decorating (though I love all those things). Advent is about something much deeper: preparing our hearts to welcome Jesus into our lives in a new and profound way.

A Season of Preparation

Waiting isn’t easy, especially in a world that values busyness and instant gratification. But Advent gently calls us to slow down and embrace the quiet beauty of waiting. It’s a season to reflect on Jesus, not only coming into the world as a Baby in Bethlehem, but also His coming in our hearts through prayer, the sacraments, and our daily lives, and His coming at the end of time when He will return in glory.

How Can We Enter Into Advent?

Here are a few ways we can embrace the Advent season and prepare our hearts for Christmas:

Create Space for Silence
The holidays are filled with noise—both literal and figurative—and with finals approaching, life can feel overwhelming. But Advent invites us to step away from the busyness and embrace moments of quiet. Whether it’s a few minutes in prayer, sitting in stillness with a cup of tea, or simply breathing deeply, creating silence allows us to make room for the Lord in our hearts.
- What in your life is adding unnecessary noise? Can you take a step to reduce it? How is the Lord inviting you to journey into this Advent season with Him? Let’s make room for Him together.
Read Scripture or an Advent Devotional
Take time each day to dive into Scripture or journal with an Advent devotional. (I am reading Encountering Emmanuel by Heather Khym) to prepare your heart for Christmas. Advent is often overlooked as a season of waiting, but let’s be intentional about using this time to reflect, anticipate, and ready ourselves for the Lord.
Make Time for the Sacraments
There is no better way to Deepen your Advent preparation by receiving the sacraments. Go to confession to experience God’s mercy, and attend Mass to draw closer to Jesus in the Eucharist. The sacraments are a beautiful way to center your heart on Christ during this season of hope and grace.
Be Intentional
I’m not saying you shouldn’t listen to Christmas music or decorate your tree early (trust me, I’ve already done both!), but it’s important to find ways to intentionally prepare your heart and home for Jesus. Maybe that looks like lighting candles on an Advent wreath, praying the Christmas Novena, or taking a more gradual approach to decorating this year.

Whatever you do, remember that Advent is a season of preparation—a time to pause, reflect, and ready yourself for the coming of Christ. The true feast and celebration begin on Christmas Day, so let’s embrace this season with purpose and joy.

Advent reminds us that even in the dark and cold winter season, we are not without hope. Like Narnia longing for Christmas, we wait with anticipation for the Light that is to come. As the days grow colder and the nights longer, let’s not rush through this sacred season. Instead, let’s embrace the beauty of waiting, preparing, and trusting that the Light of the World will soon arrive.

I am so excited to enter into this Advent season together!! How are you preparing your heart for Advent? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

With Love and Prayers,

A Catholic Girl Embracing the Waiting

Aka Jillian

Looking for more Advent resources? Check these out:

🕯️Advent Inspiration- My Pinterest

📖Encountering Emmanuel by Heather Khym

https://www.avemariapress.com/products/encountering-emmanuel

🎙️Abiding Together Podcast-Preparing for Advent

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6WWlZ2Y2B2mEHUvzYtF8eE?si=Rg2T3PjkRcGa1q8SeIR0yA

🎙️The Daily Nothings podcast- let’s make some changes this Advent

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4BRfaeKD2Lsax0zpzpjWEo?si=3kX7y1r_T9Klk3ITJY22Ww

📺Fr Mike Schmitz the true meaning of advent