by Shandrika McDowell
Growing up in church, I always heard about Advent. The candles, the colors, the readings — all of it.
But to be honest, it didn’t fully click for me back then. I knew about Advent, but I didn’t really understand the depth of it.
It wasn’t until I started working for the Southwest Conference UCC — right in the middle of my seminary journey and reconnecting with God in a deeper, grown-woman kind of way — that Advent came alive for me. Suddenly, these candles weren’t just “church tradition.” They became personal. They became invitations to slow down, breathe, reflect, and pay attention to what God is doing in me as much as around me.
And let me tell you something else I didn’t realize right away:
My role as Executive Assistant is ministry — not just a job.
Every email, every schedule I juggle, every pastor I support, every moment of coordination and care behind the scenes… It’s ministry. God placed me in this role on purpose. Seminary has helped me see it clearly: ministry doesn’t only happen in pulpits. Sometimes it sits behind a desk, answering phones, carrying burdens, offering compassion, and holding space for people. This work is sacred, too.
Working in ministry while being in seminary is its own kind of spiritual workout. God has me learning, stretching, trusting, and growing all at the same time. And somehow, Advent fits right into that rhythm.
Each candle speaks to where I am and who I’m becoming.
The Candle of Hope
Hope has been my anchor in this season. Seminary, ministry, and life all require a kind of strength you can’t fake. I went from casually reading Scripture to actually studying Scripture — breaking down context, language, history, and purpose. And the more I dig, the more I see how hope holds everything together.
Hope says, “I don’t see it yet, but I trust God anyway.”
Hope steadies me when life gets loud, unpredictable, or heavy.
Hope reminds me that God is already in my tomorrow.
The Candle of Peace
Peace used to feel like something I had to chase… but this season is teaching me that peace is a gift, not a prize.
Between seminary assignments, ministry work, finding a church home again, and learning to rest in God’s timing, I’m discovering that peace isn’t the absence of noise — it’s the calm God puts inside you right in the middle of it.
This candle whispers: “Be still. God's got you.”
The Candle of Joy
Joy is showing up for me in small but powerful ways — the kind of joy that sneaks in and surprises you.
A breakthrough in class.
A moment of worship that hits differently.
A Scripture that opens itself in a whole new way.
A laugh shared with someone who gets the journey.
Joy doesn’t mean everything’s perfect.
It means God is present.
The Candle of Love
This candle is the one that grounds me the most.
Being in seminary, working in ministry, and reconnecting with the church community have shown me a deeper expression of God’s love — not the love you earn, but the love that chooses you, covers you, and keeps calling you deeper.
This candle reminds me that Advent is God saying, “I’m drawing near. I love you. I’m still here.”
Advent… But Make It Personal
This year, Advent isn’t just a season on the church calendar — it’s a mirror, a teacher, and a reminder that God is doing a new thing in my life. Right in the middle of ministry, seminary, reconnecting with my faith, and boldly walking out my “yes.”
Hope. Peace. Joy. Love.
This Advent, every single one feels personal.
And I’m grateful.
Thought for the Month:
Advent isn’t just about counting down to Christmas — it’s about opening up to God’s presence, letting Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love shape your life right now.