Our parish mission this year focused on the season leading up to the celebration of Christmas. Advent. A season of preparation. It prepares us “internally” by directing our hearts and minds to prepare us spiritually for the anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We were asked to “make room for Him in the inn of our hearts.”

However the Advent story goes beyond a manger in Bethlehem. We were reminded we’re also preparing for Christ’s second coming in glory at the end of time. “Externally” we may be preparing for Christmas, but within, are we truly ready for the day of justice? No one knows the day or the hour. How does one prepare for that encounter? Hopefully we are preparing for this beyond advent and taking a spiritual inventory throughout the year while taking full advantage of the sacraments.

The song “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe came to mind.  

As we journey toward Bethlehem this season, we were encouraged to make this a Holy season of prayer by receiving Him daily in our prayer life, and to reflect on Him daily by spending quiet time in Sacred Scripture—The Word of God. The Infancy Narratives of Matthew and Luke would be a good place to start.

Advent is a time for us to recommit ourselves to God by spending time with Him—our Lord and Savior. Our Redeemer. I’m hoping to live this season a little differently than in the past. I always have good intentions to not get caught up in the hurriedness of the season, but the busyness seems to win. I’m striving to make this advent different. One of peace, hope and joy.

I love this quote by Mother Angelica…

“Don’t get hurried. There may be something that I have to leave undone, then let it be undone. Just don’t lose the essence of this season so that you really are alive with Jesus in the Womb of His Mother. Hidden, growing, patient, waiting; waiting for the birth in our lives – that birth of Jesus that makes Him radiate through us, that makes our wills one.”