Winter Desolation and Our Advent Destination

By Michael Throop

My drive to and from the Benedictine College campus takes me through acres of now-harvested corn and soybeans. Normally, I have not given this much thought, but this year, I take note of what is left behind. There is bare ground, and desolation, for miles. This world has given its yield, and has gone to rest, in anticipation of what is to come when farmers return to plant, and to pray for success.

There I barren ground in our midst. It is not simply the physical ground that seems to lack life. We may have our own barren fields to live with, our own now-plowed promises, wishes, and hopes.

We begin another advent season, taking stock of what is in our lives.

What is joyful?

What is sad?

What do I fear, while showing confidence in the secular world?

What do I want? What do I need?

Advent will be the time to prepare the way of the Christ Child, to consider what His birth has given us, what His lowly birth means in our daily lives.

These are four weeks of questions, of prayer, of plans to be made and promises to keep.

We have God’s promise to His people that salvation is coming, that His covenant is our joy.

The fields may be barren but the promise of eternal joy awaits, in the birth of His son.

The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.