![A student flighting the first candle on an Advent wreath.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1765900730/incarnatewordorg/prqv8lnswx57dv6pdwyc/decembernews.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1765900730/incarnatewordorg/prqv8lnswx57dv6pdwyc/decembernews.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1765900730/incarnatewordorg/prqv8lnswx57dv6pdwyc/decembernews.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1765900730/incarnatewordorg/prqv8lnswx57dv6pdwyc/decembernews.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1765900730/incarnatewordorg/prqv8lnswx57dv6pdwyc/decembernews.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1765900730/incarnatewordorg/prqv8lnswx57dv6pdwyc/decembernews.png","width":2200}])
IWA Celebrates the Joyous Season of Advent
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. —John 1:14
Each year, IWA celebrates Advent with the blessing of the Advent wreath, and continuous student-led prayers, perpetual adoration, Bible studies and service projects throughout the month of December. As we progress through this season of purposeful waiting, we continue to live out our values of sisterhood, academic excellence and servant leadership.
Campus Minister, Anja Ozols, explains the concept of waiting in hope and creating space in our hearts for Jesus, which speaks to the core of Incarnational Spirituality: “We need to clear out space in our minds, hearts and schedules where we are not being inundated with input and content. We all need this time to be still and silent. It takes time for the swirling thoughts of our mind to slow down so that there is space for us to hear Jesus.”
IWA makes sure to set aside dedicated time for Adoration and confession, to encourage students to focus on their relationship with God, especially during review week and midterms. “Although we are cramming our minds with knowledge, information and to-do lists, we can still take a little time to make room for Jesus,” says Ms. Ozols. “It is only when we are still and silent that we can perceive His presence and voice—we can recognize Christ in our neighbor and slow down enough to show our love.”
Ms. Ozols looks forward to collaborating with IWA’s new Choir Director and Theology teacher, Ms. Theresa Diaz, during the season. Ms. Diaz says she’s excited to experience her first Advent at IWA and shares that the Choir is eagerly preparing for their seasonal concerts.
“I am so happy that God has brought me here to IWA,” Ms. Diaz continues. “All of my Theology students are amazing, and of course my Choir rocks! I am witnessing the Holy Spirit do many great things with our students.”
During this Advent season, may our hearts be filled with joyful waiting as Christmas approaches.