Advent

Edwina Gateley

Advent means
we are waiting for something,
we are to expect
something good and up-lifting
to make us feel better.
And why not?
We struggle so,
and we only want
peace, security and even
a little happiness.
We dream of it—
like a lost treasure
in an empty desert.

Then, in the very dying of the Autumn Season,
along comes Advent
with candles, prayers, songs
and promises
of new possibilities.
And, all tingling
with excitement and expectancy,
we are seduced
into hoping once again.

Oh—thank God
for Advent—
and its perennial promise—
pointing to a light
which never dies.