First Sunday of Advent

     Today is the first Sunday of Advent. Advent is a time of preparation for us, a time to prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas. (The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming.”) Although Advent refers to Christ’s birth at Christmas, it also refers to the coming of Christ through the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Finally, it reminds us of the need to prepare for His Second Coming.

     Everything we do during this holy period should be aimed at preparing our minds and hearts for Christ’s arrival. Our readings today, from our First Reading in which the prophet Jeremiah predicts the coming of Christ (“The days are coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise.”) to our Gospel from Luke (“And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.”) anticipates Christ’s arrival, both as an infant and in His return.

     As individuals and families and households we need to develop or continue Advent traditions. Whether it is setting time aside for special prayer or carefully filling a manger or lighting an Advent wreath or singing Christmas carols or reading Christmas poems and stories, we need to do some different things and do them consistently throughout Advent. This will help us have the both the right focus and the right attitude.