From the First Sunday of Advent, as one enters into the seminary’s compound, the preparation for Christmas becomes very visible in the shades of decorations that not only enhance the aesthetic value of the compound, but also throw one into the Christmas mood. Christmas is one season that is very unique with the euphoria that often pervades the atmosphere in general often evident in songs, dancing, decorations and beautiful lighting systems.

Worthy of note is the fact that the preparation for Christmas is not limited to the physical only. In a few days time, the seminary community, after her festival of nine lessons and carols shall also embark on another aspect of the preparation for Christmas. It is the spiritual preparation of a week-long advent retreat. This period helps formators and seminarians alike to put aware all worldly encumbrances, in order to have an encounter with God in the depth of our hearts; so as to prepare our hearts, a fitting place for Christ to be born and dwell. The silence that pervades the seminary compound at this period aids one to have a true encounter with the divine.

If only Christians can once again pay more attention to this aspect of the preparation for Christmas, our world would be better for it.