SEASON OF ADVENT:
Scripture: “I wait for the Lord; my soul waits and I hope for His
word.” – Psalm 13:5
Catechism: “When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent
each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the
Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior’s first
coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for His second
coming. By celebrating the precursor’s birth and martyrdom, the
Church unites herself to His desire: ‘He must increase, but I must
decrease’.” – CCC – #524
Brothers and sisters, the Advent season is now upon us. Advent comes from the Latin word, ‘Adventus,’ which means arrival. As such, we await in
anticipation the arrival of our Savior. The long-awaited for Messiah. Jesus Christ, our Lord.
And it was from the very beginning that God had promised a Messiah – a Savior for His people: “I will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and hers; they will strike at your head, while you strike at their heel.” – Genesis 3:15 For countless years, the Israelites
had waited, yearned for their Messiah to come; to deliver them from all their sufferings.
Then again from the Book of Job: “Even now my Witness is in heaven, my Advocate is on high.” – Job 16:19 We anticipate the arrival of our
Witness, our Advocate, brothers and sisters, to deliver us from our own suffering. This is what we yearn for in Advent. From the very beginning of
Creation God has promised us help and hope.
And it is up to us to share that help and hope with others. To share the Good News of Salvation that is a gift from our Heavenly Father from the
beginning of time. And this salvation is not for just some, but for all of God’s children.
However, most in our society, have lost the meaning of Advent; of the true blessing that the Christmas season brings. Like myself, I am sure that
you all have seen too, how early Christmas decorations are put out in some of the stores. This year, I actually saw Christmas items out prior to
Halloween!
What had started out as a season of joy and gratitude for the great gift of Salvation, has turned into a season all about the most money that
corporations and manufacturers can earn. In addition, many of us are too concerned about getting the right gift for everyone, or making sure that
we give the biggest and the best and the most, so that feelings are not hurt, and no one is offended.
Let us remember, brothers and sisters, Jesus Himself received only three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh; gifts that were fit for a king.
Frankincense was used as incense for deities in the ancient near east, and myrrh was used for incense as well, but mostly with other spices for burial
after death.
May we never forget that the death of Christ could not have happened without His birth, which signified Salvation entering into the world.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, let us use the time of Advent to prepare for His coming; demonstrating the true meaning of the season by patience
and prayer for the arrival of our King, our Messiah, our Redeemer.
“O marvelous exchange! Man’s Creator has become man, born of the Virgin. We have been made sharers in the divinity of Christ Who humbled
Himself to share in our humanity.”
(Antiphon for Evening Prayer for January 1st – Liturgy of the Hours)
