Dear Notre Dame Community, Happy Advent season! Advent is all about waiting. While we anticipate the arrival of Christ, take this time to examine our own lives. We invite you to observe your daily habits through the lens of the four themes of Advent in an effort to be more present and enjoy life’s little moments. Growing in faith and community connects us all through our inherent goodness and dignity. We hope that this book may serve as a vehicle for reflection and an offering of a fresh start for the new year. By the end of this book, we hope you may find what you have been waiting for.
In simplicity,
Emily Morley ’
25
Student Minister for Spirituality
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light..”
Isaiah 9:2
Hope
December 1st: READING
The days are coming—oracle of the Lord when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah.
In those days, at that time, I will make a just shoot spring up for David; he shall do what is right and just in the land.
In those days Judah shall be saved and Jerusalem shall dwell safely; this is the name they shall call her: The LORD our justice.”
Jeremiah 33:14-16
December 1st: JOURNAL
Read Jeremiah 33:14-16; What does hope look like in this passage? How does that relate to your definition of hope?
December 2nd: REFLECTION
Mallory DuBois ’
28
I have always hoped for many different things for Advent: Christmas to come sooner, teachers to slow down the workload, and to be able to get all the things that I’ m hoping to get for Christmas. But one thing that I always find myself hoping for is that the magic of the Christmas season continues through the entire year, even when it is not Christmas time. The thing that I enjoy the most about the Christmas season is that people become nicer, inspired by the joy of the season. I have always loved seeing people become more understanding and kind during the holiday season, the anticipation tangible in the air during the weeks leading up to the holidays. A way this is shown is when people are more willing to offer help during this time, because of the excitement for the holidays. I hope to see this kindness continue beyond this Advent season so that we can grow together in compassion. As we wait together for Christmas, I hope that this may bring a greater sense of compassion into our Notre Dame community during this season and beyond.
December 3rd: JOURNAL
What are you hoping for this advent season?
4th:
Rich Mejzak P’’25
I find hope in the ordinary when I can appreciate that the ordinary is anything but that. Every person, every object, every situation that may seem ordinary, is in our lives for a reason. There are no coincidences, and everything happens for a reason. The holiday season brings so many opportunities to be thankful and celebrate. However, we often overlook the ordinary, for which we should also be grateful. Things that occur frequently or with regularity may seem ordinary, like a father/daughter dance or a young child asking a parent to lay with them. But there will be a last time, so what was deemed ordinary then becomes so incredibly special. Advent is a time for us to pause and realize that nothing is truly ordinary and that everything in our lives has much greater purpose.
December 5th: JOURNAL
Where do you find hope in the ordinary??
December 6th: REFLECTION
Mrs. Alvarez, Science Faculty
In these trying times, it is easy to fall into despair. It only takes a few minutes of TV, radio, or internet to feel discouraged, helpless, disappointment, sadness, and all the other emotions that lead us into a darkened world. However, it is during these times, or any dark time, that the virtue of hope, like a beacon in the night, leads us home to God. For every bad story, or human injustice, hope reminds us of the countless selfless acts of love that happen in every home, city, country around the world. We are often so focused on brooding clouds of evil overhead that we forget to look down and see the sunrise, reminding us that while darkness exists, it can never conquer light. Each December we celebrate the greatest sunrise, the birth of our savior, who through his life and death opens the doors to an eternal light. No darkness can extinguish the Divine Invitation, “Come to me, all you that labor, and are burdened, and I will refresh you. ” It is this light that reminds us that in a single moment, a soul with a genuine love of God can come to a greater understanding of the purpose of life than a lifetime spent studying the worldly ideologies of man. Do I hope? I most certainly do, and it is in this hope that I pray for all souls to find in the blindness of darkness, the shining Light of the World to lead them home. For as Jesus said, your soul is worth more than the world.
December 7th: READING
Hallelujah!
How good to sing praise to our God; how pleasant to give fitting praise.
The LORD rebuilds Jerusalem, and gathers the dispersed of Israel, Healing the brokenhearted, and binding up their wounds.
4He numbers the stars, and gives to all of them their names.
Great is our Lord, vast in power, with wisdom beyond measure.
6The LORD gives aid to the poor, but casts the wicked to the ground
Psalms 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
December 8th: REFLECT
Take a moment to read over the previous reflections and your responses:. What does hope mean to you?
Peace
December 8th: READING
In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin ’ s name was Mary And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you. ” m But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. n Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus o He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,* and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end ” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man? ” And the angel said to her in reply, “The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. and behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived* a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God. Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord May it be done to me according to your word ” Then the angel departed from her
Luke 1:26-38
December 8th: JOURNAL
Read Luke 1:26-38; What do you notice in this passage? How does Luke represent peace?
December 9th: REFLECTION
Elle Bellew ’ 29
In the chaos and hecticness of everyday life, peace is something we yearn for. I’ ve come to realize that peace isn’t something that needs to be sought, but something that is all around me in my everyday life. Peace is not a destination, but rather how I find myself with certain people and in certain places. Firstly, I find peace at the beach, a place I can truly feel God’ s goodness working in my life. There is something so calming about the sound of the crashing waves, the laughter of children playing in the sand, and the smell of salt air. The beach is the place where I see God’ s beauty most, and a place where I feel true peace. Secondly, I find peace when I am with my family and friends. These are the people that make me feel calm, through their support and care for me. I truly feel God’ s presence around me when I am surrounded with the people I love, which brings peace to my life. Lastly, I find peace through dancing. When I dance, it is a way to let go of my worries and stresses, and feel free through my movements. I am able to express myself in a way that cannot be put into words. Dancing is a true source of peace in my life, and I am forever grateful for it.
December 10th: JOURNAL
Who or what are places that you find peace when in waiting?
December 11th: REFLECTION
Mrs. McComb, School Nurse, P ’ 26 ’ 28 ’ 31
When I think of the peace that I wish the world to have on Christmas day, I picture the globe slowly spinning over the 24-hour period. I imagine seeing day turn to night and warm weather to cold. Inside every home, I wish to see families and friends gathered around a beautiful Christmas tree making memories, laughing, sharing delicious food and exchanging gifts. I hope for this in every home, on all of the streets, in all of the cities, throughout the world. That to me is true peace on earth! The reality is however, that we live in a world filled with illness, chaos, war, and relationships that have not been mended. In this season and especially on Christmas day, I wish for peace. I pray we can surrender all the problems to God and enjoy the celebration of the day when the angels announced peace on earth when Jesus was born. The second candle in an Advent wreath is often called the Peace Candle and symbolizes peace and preparation. This purple candle represents that Christ will bring peace to the world. It also reflects Mary and Joseph’ s journey to Bethlehem, which in my opinion, is one of the most peaceful Christmas images that exists.
Before there can be peace on earth, there must be peace in each of us and we can prepare for that by asking God to calm our hearts and to ask for the quiet assurance that nothing is impossible. We can ask God to soften our hearts and seek reconciliation. We can ask for forgiveness and offer understanding, we can practice kindness and find time for extra prayers. We can reach out to others and be present in the moment. At Christmas time, one of my favorite memories of my 3 little girls is watching the cartoon, “The Elf on the Shelf: an Elf’s Story” and the song called “Christmas Song”. I picture my girls in their matching flannel pajamas singing, “Christmas is a time of joy and peace, spending time with family, it teaches us to share and show others that we care. Christmas is a time for forgiveness. That is why we all believe in Christmas”. This song and memory warms my heart and gives me the peace I want during this Christmas season.
December 12th: JOURNAL
What are your wishes for peace in the world?
December 13th: REFLECTION
Mrs.Turner ’ 77, Social Studies Chair
When thinking of Advent, two words come to mind: waiting and preparing. An entire season of waiting, of preparing the way for the Lord; preparing for the birth of Jesus. Yet, both of these words can also provoke anxiety. No one likes to sit in the waiting room at the doctor’s office; or wait for a test result; or wait in traffic or wait to hear about a college acceptance; or even wait for an answer to a text message. Waiting can be difficult.
In this fast-paced world we don’t like to wait for anything. We rush through our days looking forward to what’s next rather than living in the moment. We often hear ourselves saying “I can ’t wait until…..(fill in the blank)” . Asking the question “what are you waiting for?” can also imply that you are wasting time; that you are taking too much time. Are you prepared? Are you ready? Sometimes we are only focusing on the material preparations of Christmas. Did we decorate enough? Buy gifts? Plan the food?
On the second Sunday of Advent we light the candle of peace symbolizing the birth of Jesus, bringing peace on earth and goodwill toward men. Peace is not just “world peace” it is also being at peace with others and at peace with ourselves. Can we find peace in the waiting? The world is a broken place but we must remember that Jesus came to bring peace. He promised us, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27)
We wait in anticipation of His birth and prepare our hearts for Him. Find peace in those moments of anticipation. St. Julie tells us: It’s not possible that everything will go just as we should like. Patience with others and ourselves, that is the only means of having peace. (Julie,L 206)
Slow down and release your worries. Do not rush the days away but rather savor them and cherish every minute. Make good use of your time in preparation for His birth. Find a deep sense of peace within your soul and feel it radiate to others, to bring peace to those around you, to heal relationships and build community. Peace is within each breath we take.
December 14th: READING
As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, “Do not tell the vision * to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
* Then the disciples asked him, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said in reply,* Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.”
Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.
Matthew 17:9-13
December 14th: JOURNAL
Take a moment to read over the previous reflections and your responses:. Why is peace important to you and to our world?
Joy
December 15th: READING
Shout for joy, daughter Zion! sing joyfully, Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, daughter Jerusalem!h
The LORD has removed the judgment against you, he has turned away your enemies; The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear. On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, Zion, do not be discouraged!
The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior, Who will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, Who will sing joyfully because of you,i as on festival days. I will remove disaster from among you, so that no one may recount your disgrace.
Zephaniah 3: 14-18
December 15th: JOURNAL
Read Zephaniah 3: 14-18; Do you think that the joy in this passage is represented in your life?
December 16th: REFLECTION
Emily Morley ’ 25
There is no easy way to describe joy. My sorry effort is this: a warm, buzzing light that heals, fulfills, and blooms. It appears when we are our best selves, when we live with kindness, simplicity, and humility. Despite its prevalence, however, it is not tangible . You cannot hold joy in your hand or watch it fill those around us. And yet, we trust that it exists because we feel that indescribable connection.
God often appears to me in the same way that joy does. He, like joy, is something I cannot directly reach; however, I trust in His presence regardless. Joy, something I am blessed to have as a constant in my life, appears to me through my people and my passions. There are no words for the joy that fills me when I’ m drowning in a sea of fluffy blankets with my family, lazily scrolling through my sister’s instagram as my mom ’s fingers graze my hair and I can feel my father’s steady heartbeat against my cheek. I am filled with this same elation as I belt my heart out on stage alongside my closest friends, connected across our life experiences by music. These joys, I believe, are God’s gifts to me. They serve as a constant reminder of God’s goodness and as demonstrations of the values I must strive to fulfill. I recognize that I am part of a lucky few to feel the joy that I do; that does not mean, however, that does not mean these comforts have any less value in times of hardship. Joy is God’s way of reminding us to be our best selves, to live according the principles of our faith for the betterment of ourselves and the betterment of our communities. As we continue to wait for the coming of Christ, I invite you to celebrate joy in your life, no matter how small, and do your best to bring joy into the lives of others. Live kindly, live fully, and live with joy. You are always worthy.
December 17th: JOURNAL
How does joy connect you more closely with God?
Leah Mejzack ’ 25
As a senior in high school, I have been able to reflect on my time as a student throughout the years. Between college applications and AP classes, most of my anxiety and unhappiness was due to stress. When I feel overwhelmed my mind goes racing, and I have a million thoughts. In these moments I feel sadness and worry. Cornered I will not live up to my potential or fall short of what I need to accomplish. But I remind myself that it is important to take a step back and slow down. The way I find joy in these times of sadness is through rediscovering my relationship with God. Whether it be taking a second away from all the craziness to do something I enjoy like hanging out with my family or going on a walk outside to witness all of God’ s creations. It allows me to clear my head and get a fresh start.
Spending time with my friends and family gives me the opportunity to laugh and feel nothing but pure happiness. I know that wherever I am upset I can always count on my friends and family to cheer me up. This season of advent, one of my father’ s and my favorite times of the year fills me with nothing but joy. I will be hearing back from colleges and eventually commit to wherever I am meant to end up. It fills me with excitement to be able to share this time of year with my peoplethe people who are my joy.
December 19th: JOURNAL
How do you find joy even in moments of sadness?
20th:
Dr. Califf, English Department Chair
Joy can be one of the greatest and most powerful feelings we can experience, no matter how it arrives: a birth, a healing, a friendship, a victory, a college acceptance, an offer of the perfect job, or even a small moment of grace such as the appreciation of nature or the kindness of a stranger or the affection of a companion animal. It is also true, however, that joy can often be an elusive quality in a world in which there is war and sickness and injustice and poverty and suffering. The season of Advent reminds us that sometimes we have to wait for the joy. It is not coincidental that the word "joy" seldom occurs in the daily Scripture readings of Advent, but it does appear in tomorrow's gospel, in which Mary greets Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, and the infant in Elizabeth's womb "leapt for joy" (Luke 1:44, NRSV). That joy anticipates the joy of the birth of Jesus and a season of joy to follow, but we have to wait for it. As we go through life, the feeling of joy will never be permanent for us, and it would be a mistake to deny the brokenness we sometimes feel in our world and in ourselves, but we can wait in joyful hope. "Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning" (Psalm 30:5, NRSV). Lord, "Give us the grace to listen patiently to others as we wait in joyful hope for your coming. Transform our minds and our hearts to see our neighbors and our world as you do. Set aflame our hearts to tirelessly bring about your kingdom where all will find peace. Amen" ("An Advent Prayer," USCCB).
December 21st: READING
During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit,s cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.t
And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord* should come to me?
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed* that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.
Luke 1:39-45
December
22nd: JOURNAL
Take a moment to read over the previous reflections and your responses: How can you find ways to be more grateful for joy in your life?
Love
December 22nd: REFLECTION
Nessietta Johnny ’ 28
There are infinite ways to show and receive love; there is no correct path. Love appears in everyone’s lives differently and with varying joys that come with it. The love I hold comes from my friends and family, remaining constant in my life. I think that everyone associates love with these grand gestures and displays of affection with flowers or gifts or professions of affection. For me, it is as simple as sharing my bag of chips with my friends as we sob over our quiz grades. It is giving my mom an extra long hug before I run out of the door for the school day I’ m already late for. It is telling my dad an extra I love you before I go to bed at night. The love I show and receive in my life are the everyday rituals that we often forget are our most authentic displays of fondness. Our love is natural, so inherent that we don’t even have to think about how we show each other love: we just do it. I find myself distributing and receiving love in such a casual way that I feel immensely lucky. I am blessed to be surrounded by family and friends who love me deeply and who I love in return.
December 22nd: JOURNAL
What are the ways that you show and receive love?
December 23rd: REFLECTION
Mary Jo Bellew P ’ 29
I continually see God’s love through my family. Life certainly is fast-paced. But I see the abundance of God’s love when we are all together as a family unit - my five kids, my husband and me. I feel so joyous and complete in these moments when I look around to see what we have created. There is no denying that this special family is attributed to God’s intervention and the blessings He gave me in my life. Family togetherness is also a time when we experience joy, happiness, laughter, celebrations. These shared moments are a sign of God’s love, reminding me that life is full of goodness, grace and beauty. But life also has its times of challenges, concerns, struggles, and worries. I see God’s love shine through when I see family members offer each other support, words of encouragement, prayers, comfort, or a giant hug in challenging moments. It’s a reminder that, just as God never leaves us and is faithful, as family members we love and support each other.
One of the most significant ways I see God’s love through my family is when we spiritually worship together - whether it be attending mass, celebrating a religious holiday or a sacrament, or praying together as a family. By prioritizing faith since my kids were born, they have grown up centering their life around God. It has unified us and bonded us as a family, and we all recognize that God is central to family life. Now that I have five teenagers, I can feel and see God’s love at work in their lives as they continue to keep faith a priority on their own. Their acknowledgement that God is at the forefront of their lives is a reflection of God’s love for us as a family.
December 24th: REFLECTION
Dr. Klause, World Languages Chair
When I was in high school, I memorized Lord Byron’ s poem “She Walks in Beauty” in preparation for a poetry recitation contest. It wasn’t, and still isn’t, my favorite poem, but its cadences and imagery have remained with me over the years. In fact, the final lines of the poem occurred to me unbidden as I sat watching my daughter Phoebe sleep in her bassinet in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit during the difficult first days of her life. Those lines, which read “A mind at peace with all below /A heart whose love is innocent!,” seemed to me to reflect exactly the serenity of my sleeping infant, unaware of her surroundings and her parents’ anxiety. It was humbling to realize that God had entrusted me with the care of this vulnerable and innocent child.
As Phoebe has grown older, her face has become less “innocent.” She certainly delights in making mischief. But, Phoebe’s facial expressions continue to serve as a reminder of the great privilege and responsibility God has granted me. In the stubborn set of her chin, I see my grandmother. When Phoebe purses her lips, I am reminded of my mother’ s expression as she graded papers at our dining room table. Phoebe is both of me and her own person. She simultaneously recalls for me those I have loved and delights me as she develops her distinctive way of interacting with the world. Her very being is a reminder of the love which has surrounded me throughout my life and which will continue to do so. In this season of Advent, I feel a special sense of gratitude to God for the gift of that loving care.
Thank you for taking time to complete this faith exercise! We hope that you have been able to grow in character and understanding of your life. As we approach the arrival of Christ, we wish to end our time together with a prayer:
God of hope, who brought love into this world, be the love that dwells between us.
God of hope, who brought peace into this world, be the peace that dwells between us.
God of hope, who brought joy into this world, be the joy that dwells between us.
God of hope, the rock we stand upon, be the centre, the focus of our lives always, and particularly this Advent time.
