Let us stay awake for the Lord’s coming is drawing near. We now find ourselves in the season of Advent and we now prepare for Christmas where God’s love is so great that He chose to take on our human flesh and dwell among us. It was for this life altering reality that the angels appeared to the shepherds and sung out “Glory to God in the Highest.”
Advent must remain a season of expectation. Within us there should be a longing to be united to God made Flesh. In the midst of our liturgy we can see this same expectation. For we will not sing this hymn of the angels again until the Good News of the birth of the Saviour has been proclaimed unto us on Christmas Day. Hopefully we use little reminders such as this during this season to allow ourself to stay awake.
Our Epistle reminded us of the need to “throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” As we drive around at night we will start to see Christmas lights which shine brightly from the darkness. Christmas lights serve as a reminder to us of the Light of Christ. Hopefully through seeing them we will be reminded of the one for whom we now prepare to encounter and realize our need to stay awake as we prepare to encounter Him.
It is sin which plunges us into darkness and causes our life to move around something other then Christ. With this many will now rush about and fill stores with the rush of finding the perfect gift for a loved one. There is nothing wrong with giving gifts to one another, but hopefully we do not let this rush detract from what is actually important during this season, coming into an encounter with Christ.
Throughout Advent I encourage you to find ways to stay awake and thus prepare for this life giving encounter. Let not the hustle and bustle of this short season take away from this preparation that we are called to make.
With this in mind make use of Sacrament of Confession, especially if it has been a long time since you have participated in the sacrament. Our confession times can be found in the bulletin and our parish Advent penance service will be December 10th. I also invite you to make use of our Perpetual Adoration Chapel. We sadly have hours which are open when our Blessed Lord is left all alone. Coming to this chapel as an individual or as a family would be a perfect way to place your attention upon Christ as you prepare to receive Him.
I also encourage practices within the home. Maybe an Advent wreath that brings that family together to pray each day. Maybe an Advent calendar for the children. Set up a manger scene in your home holding off on placing the baby Jesus until Christmas. Some even keep hay in a special place adding one grain each time a member of the family does something nice for someone else.
