As we celebrate this first Sunday of Advent, I think that it is worth addressing just how different we are as believers in Christ, in terms of how we view both Advent, and the Christmas season. First, we actually acknowledge Advent as a season, and as a time of preparation for the birth of our Lord at Christmas. Secondly, we do not simply celebrate Christmas day, we celebrate a season. The Christmas season begins at the vigil Mass on Christmas eve and does not end until we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord on January 8th of this coming year. It is not all confined into a single day preceded by absolute madness in the shopping centers. We have time both at Advent, and during Christmas to prepare ourselves to celebrate thoughtfully and properly these beautiful seasons.
The question then that should spring to mind for each of us, is how should we actually go about celebrating this Advent season to prepare for Christs birth at Christmas. It certainly does not involve a melee of shopping that the secular viewpoint of Christmas has descended into, nor does it necessarily involve rushing about to prepare food, our houses, or even a tree. All of those are simply “nice to have” additions that help us express the specialness of the season, but they are not the focus or the priority. We are actually called to do the exact opposite of what many have turned Christmas into in terms of preparation. We are called to slow down, to spend our time in thought and prayer, to breath and uncloud our minds of the usual clutter of more secular priorities, to spend time with one another and with our Lord to discern His will for each of us at this time of year. If we listen for that quiet voice that He speaks to us with deep within ourselves, we will perhaps hear a call to change.
In our Gospel today we cautioned to be vigilant for the coming of our Lord, and to not be caught unaware. The point is illustrated in how many of the people of Noah’s time were completely caught up in daily routine right up until the day of the flood so that they were unprepared. We hear of how in days to come there will be some who will be taken to be with our Lord, and there will be others who are left behind, and that we absolutely do not know the day or the hour when this will happen, only that it will. The message is clear, we must prepare ourselves and be ready.
In our second reading Saint Paul tells us of how we are to awaken from our current state, and put on an armor of light, an armor that will set us apart from those who are merely concerned with the desires of the flesh and with worldly concerns. I find it interesting that he describes it as armor of light, because by definition then there is illumination that comes with that. We will stand out, we will be seen brightly by all, and as part of this the call to come back to our old state will be made by those who are uncomfortable with the light. We need to instead focus all the more urgently on our Lord. To prepare ourselves in time spent in prayer, contemplating the birth of our Lord that is to come. To reflect on his message of loving those around us, and in turn showing love for Him since we have all been created in His image, to show generosity toward others – especially those less fortunate than ourselves, to notice those who are perhaps alone or just lonely at this time of year. I think in particular we need to notice and embrace those who are lonely because there can be so much of it at a time when we are all reminded of Advent and Christmas seasons past, and perhaps those who are no longer with us physically – this can be very difficult for those left behind. Our Lord knew loneliness on His cross, and bore it for us, and asks us to be compassionate to His children.
My wish for each of us at this time of year is that we reflect on these things and take to heart the call to slow down a bit and immerse ourselves more deeply in Christs message of love and compassion toward all, of fidelity to His teachings, and of His sacrifice that He was born into this world to make for us. God Bless each one of you, as you prepare for His coming.
The Deacons Bench 