Watch
December 3, 2023 at 12:00 a.m.
Advent is upon us! This is so exciting! I have really grown to love this time of year. I feel, however, that it is very easy to be so focused on Christmas that we miss the point of Advent. If you and I are having the same experience with that, the readings for this Sunday will snap us out of that mindset real quick.
In the first reading from the book of Isaiah, we hear Isaiah crying out to the Lord pleading with him to return and save the world that has drifted so far away from Him. The same message is spoken in the responsorial psalm. “Lord, make us turn to you, let us see your face and we shall be saved.” The second reading continues with the theme: waiting. Not only waiting, but waiting in total darkness, never knowing when or if the light will ever come, yet still having hope.
Then we get hit with the Gospel. Jesus issues a warning. “Be watchful! Be alert!” He says. “You do not know when the time will come.” “May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping.” “Watch!” …woah. What a wakeup call. At this time of year, it is very easy to get wrapped up in the chaos of the holidays and the traditions and the family visits, which are beautiful things, but they often have us missing the point. The greatest guest of all is on His way. The King is coming to visit his faithful servants. This is a time of great joy and excitement, but He has not arrived yet. Now is a time of preparation.
This is something that I have really grown to appreciate over time. As a kid I always kinda hated Advent, unless I had one of those little chocolate calendars, those were sweet. But I always just saw it as an obstacle to get past before Christmas day when all the fun happened. I used to find literally anything to do to pass the time. I took on obscure hobbies. One year, I got really into Origami, and made at least 100 paper swans in a week. But now that I am older, I get it a little more. I have begun to think about my unworthiness to receive God into my heart and I have begun to reflect on the areas I need to improve just to get close.
That’s what Advent is all about. That’s what life is all about, but right now especially, as we prepare to celebrate the greatest event in human history, we remain vigilant. This year I challenge you to approach Advent with focus, don’t let it just be an obstacle keeping you from Christmas, be intentional about the ways that you need to prepare yourself. Afterall, the King is coming. Make way. Happy Advent, everyone! God bless you!
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Advent is upon us! This is so exciting! I have really grown to love this time of year. I feel, however, that it is very easy to be so focused on Christmas that we miss the point of Advent. If you and I are having the same experience with that, the readings for this Sunday will snap us out of that mindset real quick.
In the first reading from the book of Isaiah, we hear Isaiah crying out to the Lord pleading with him to return and save the world that has drifted so far away from Him. The same message is spoken in the responsorial psalm. “Lord, make us turn to you, let us see your face and we shall be saved.” The second reading continues with the theme: waiting. Not only waiting, but waiting in total darkness, never knowing when or if the light will ever come, yet still having hope.
Then we get hit with the Gospel. Jesus issues a warning. “Be watchful! Be alert!” He says. “You do not know when the time will come.” “May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping.” “Watch!” …woah. What a wakeup call. At this time of year, it is very easy to get wrapped up in the chaos of the holidays and the traditions and the family visits, which are beautiful things, but they often have us missing the point. The greatest guest of all is on His way. The King is coming to visit his faithful servants. This is a time of great joy and excitement, but He has not arrived yet. Now is a time of preparation.
This is something that I have really grown to appreciate over time. As a kid I always kinda hated Advent, unless I had one of those little chocolate calendars, those were sweet. But I always just saw it as an obstacle to get past before Christmas day when all the fun happened. I used to find literally anything to do to pass the time. I took on obscure hobbies. One year, I got really into Origami, and made at least 100 paper swans in a week. But now that I am older, I get it a little more. I have begun to think about my unworthiness to receive God into my heart and I have begun to reflect on the areas I need to improve just to get close.
That’s what Advent is all about. That’s what life is all about, but right now especially, as we prepare to celebrate the greatest event in human history, we remain vigilant. This year I challenge you to approach Advent with focus, don’t let it just be an obstacle keeping you from Christmas, be intentional about the ways that you need to prepare yourself. Afterall, the King is coming. Make way. Happy Advent, everyone! God bless you!