Every now and then one comes across a marvelous little jewel-a bit of wisdom never before reflected on, a special film or movie, a serene place in nature, a short novel or essay, and so on. These are priceless finds, and when finally discovered, we wonder how we ever got along without them.

Well, the Season of Advent is one of those marvelous little jewels. And for many people it is actually still undiscovered. Advent is a mood-it is gray, still, quiet, simple. Often Advent is just there. Yet Advent waits. It waits for its depths to be stirred. Maybe it is like the pool at Bethsaida, waiting for the Spirit of God to stir it. Or maybe it is like the stump, waiting for a new shoot to come forth from its side. Certainly it is like a womb, waiting for fertilization and life. Advent is dark, but it leans toward the light.

What might help people discover this marvelous little jewel? One thing that has worked for some people came at the suggestion of a parish liturgy committee. One night each week during Advent the parish opened the church from 9 to 10 p.m. Quiet music and silence alternately filled the space. A pot of smoking incense and the candles of the Advent wreath were the only other environmental additions. People were invited to come after shopping or after children were placed snugly into bed. It was a place of respite from all the preparations for the approaching Christmas Season. It was gray, still, quiet, simple; a time of waiting to be stirred to readiness for the Messiah. Many people discovered the marvelous little jewel that is the Season of Advent.

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