Advent in August: Preparing Hearts for Anticipation

While the rest of the world basks in summer holidays and we here in Singapore navigate another sweltering August, I've been thinking about Advent. Strange timing, you might say. After all, we're still months away from December's purple candles and O Antiphons. But perhaps that's exactly the point. If Advent is truly about preparing our hearts for Christ's coming, why should we limit that preparation to four weeks in December?

Living on these sunny shores, we miss out on winter's natural invitation to slow down. There's no gradual shortening of days to signal introspection, no frost to quiet the landscape. Instead, we have air-conditioning—our artificial winter that offers those blessed pockets of cool contemplation amidst the tropical rush. And maybe that's not such a bad metaphor. Just as we intentionally create climate-controlled spaces for comfort, we can deliberately craft spiritual sanctuaries for waiting, for that holy anticipation that doesn't depend on the calendar.

Think about what makes Christmas special beyond the lights and carols. It's the spirit of generosity that moves us to give without expecting returns. It's the hope that somehow, despite everything, goodness will prevail. It's the joy that bubbles up not from our circumstances but from something deeper. And it's that peace—not just our well-managed social harmony, but the profound rest that comes from knowing we're held by Love itself. These aren't seasonal decorations to pack away in January. They're meant to be the furniture of our souls year-round. When we live with expectant hearts—constantly watching, perpetually ready, continually making room—then each day transforms into a potential encounter with the Divine. Every August afternoon overflows with possibility.