Advent: A Season of Waiting and Preparation

Advent is here, it is a season that we observe as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the nativity of Jesus on Christmas. It is also our way of preparing for the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. These are important events not only for the church but also in our lives.

However, there are times that we forget to give importance on the said event. Rather, we busy ourselves with worldly affairs and fail to remember that the center of the occasion is our Lord.

But how should we prepare for the above important occasions in our lives? It’s a tough question. But for me going to church and participating in the Holy Eucharist as well as living the gospel might be a good start to prepare for it. Avoiding sin, sharing our talents, time and treasure and spreading love are another way. The mentioned examples are not that easy but with perseverance and prayers, we could never go wrong.

On another note, let me share with you below Fr. Joseph A. Galdon’s reflection about Advent lifted from his book “The Mustard Seed”:

In addition to the Advent of the Lord at Christmas and at the last day, there are many other Advents. Christ comes to us each day if only we have eyes to see and ears to hear. We would be much happier people if only we would recognize the Lord in these daily Advents.

He comes to us each day in people—in those we love and live with, and in those we merely meet in passing. The theologians tell us that because of the Sacrament of Marriage, the wife brings Christ to her husband and the husband finds Christ in his wife. Both of them find Christ in their parents. It is sad that often Christ comes to the family and, like the Christmas story, finds no place in the home. Christ comes but we do not see Him.

Christ comes in people almost everyday of our lives, especially in the poor and in those who are in need. In poverty, Christ comes to our door and we turn Him away because we are busy or unconcerned.

Christ also comes to us in suffering. In pain and sickness and in the many problems of our daily lives, there is an opportunity to find Christ, and with Him a sense of peace and happiness. There is much pain in our lives, but if we find Christ in it, it becomes suffering and an act of love.

Indeed, there are many Advents of the Lord. The problem is to recognize Him when He comes, to be able to say like John: “It is the Lord.” It is very difficult to recognize the Lord when we are all selfishly wrapped up in our own concerns and interested only in ourselves and our own needs. It is almost impossible to recognize the Advents of the Lord when we are too busy, too worried about many other things, to see the Lord when He comes.

May the above reflection of Fr. Galdon help us observe the season of Advent meaningfully.

“Let’s approach Christmas with an expectant hush, rather than a last-minute rush.” – Anonymous