Joyous Expectations: journeying through advent with mary

by M. Jean Frisk

Pauline, 2005

140 pages, $14.95

To order: (800) 836-9723

pauline.org/store

Another Advent, another year of promises to myself to totally avoid the secular frenzy of the “holiday season” and, instead, spend more time in prayer and contemplation of the coming of the Lord in the quiet and humility of a manger.

And yet ... There is some decorating I would like to do. And shopping. And partying. Is it possible to strike a balance pleasing to God?

Sister M. Jean Frisk, a Schoenstatt Sister of Mary, understands the secular vs. spiritual tensions that I — and, truth be told, most other Catholics — go through at this time of year. Her Joyous Expectations can help individuals and families who want to still the December chaos and, in the process, focus us on the purpose behind the varied customs and traditions that have developed to ring in the birth of Christ.

For starters, the book is an ideal aid to prepare for daily Mass during this season of repentance and joy. Many of its meditations are taken from the Eucharistic liturgy of the day. Then there are suggested activities, Scripture readings and prayers.

And it’s not for nothing that Sister Jean lets the Blessed Mother be our guide. In lovely prayers and reflections, I found myself truly drawing closer to Jesus through Mary — even though I read the book in preparation for Advent rather than during it. (I think I’ll read it again now that Advent is here!)

As I reflected on these pages, my wheelchair positioned before the Blessed Sacrament, I was amazed by Sister Jean’s ability to articulate simple yet profound ways to put thoughts into action.

The book’s concept of “journeying” through Advent and toward Christmas with Mary (and other saints) opened my eyes to the people around me who, like me, are striving to join the communion of saints.

And I was reminded in a new way that I need to lean on and learn from “those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith.”

“The marking of time and its turning is a remarkably human thing,” writes Sister Jean. “Inexorably, the minutes and hours move forward and never reverse. Yet the discovery of cycles of years connotes its own hope. We may begin anew, make resolutions, and hope that love will flourish again.”

Advent is a time to refuel our spiritual tanks. Like a mother awaiting the birth of a child, Holy Mother Church prepares our hearts, minds and bodies to make room for our soon-to-arrive Savior. Each day the reader is challenged to ponder a different aspect of this holy season.

And what about Advent customs and crafts? There’s lots here on those, including the whys and how-tos of familiar customs.

“A wreath is a ring; a ring has no end,” Sister Jean writes. “Advent wreaths are usually made of evergreen to remind us of life everlasting — ultimately our lives will have no end. Four candles mark the weeks. The candles are often purple (for sorrow and penitent waiting) and pink (to rejoice for the third week for the Lord is near).”

When we journey through Advent with Mary, we look to what’s coming with eyes of love — no matter how maddeningly hectic the world outside (and inside) our homes may seem.

May this addition to the Advent library become a staple every “holiday season” from here on in.

Bill Zalot writes from

Levittown, Pennsylvania.