Advent

December 3, 2023 

Hi all, as we mark the beginning of Advent today, here is a reflection on how we might enter into the season more meaningfully. For my part, I am going to take my traditional Lenten/Advent break from the news, social media, etc., but if anyone has a need of any kind, by all means reach out. Praying for you and your families, and for peace.

Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord
Reflection for Beginning of Advent, December 3, 2023
Hebrews 12:2

A Time To Prepare
Advent is a time of preparation, as we wait for that beautiful morning when we celebrate once again the Birth of Jesus. It really is remarkable that an event that happened over 2,000 years ago, in a backwater town of Bethlehem, in a humble little stable not even fit for human habitation, would reverberate throughout history from one end of the earth to another. Even for skeptics, there really is no scientific explanation for it.
And while we so often hear that religion is the root of all evil, an argument that we can debate in another time and place, it is nearly impossible to argue that Christmas, and the time leading up to it, is anything other than a time of peace and joy, which really brings out the best in people. After all, even for those who have little knowledge of or interest in the “reason for the season”, it is a time of light, music, parties, friendship and family, with peace on earth and good will toward men at least the aspiration in the hearts of all.

Missing the Point
Yet while Advent is a time of joy and anticipation, we can become somewhat distracted as the time leading up to Christmas seems to focus on everything but the reason for the season: the Birth of Jesus. It is normal and natural, as despite our best efforts we can become distracted by all of our own plans and preparations, all of which are wonderful, that we forget the deeper meaning of Christmas.
This is not to intended to be a condemnation all of our beautiful secular celebrations that go along with Christmas, but we can never lose sight of why Christmas even exists: that God so loved the world that He sent His Son Jesus to take on human flesh, to live among us and show us what it means to truly live as people of love.
But even more than that, Jesus was born in that Bethlehem stable so that 33 years later, just a few miles down the road, He could lay down His life for us on the Cross, so that our sins might be forgiven, and we could be restored to true friendship with God and one another. So that we could truly be the people God created us to be: people of love, and grace, and mercy, and that we might have abundant life now, and one day eternal life with our loved ones in the glory of Heaven. As Linus once famously said, “that is what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

Maintaining Focus
So as we go about all of our secular preparations, what can we do during this Advent to keep the true meaning of Christmas in our hearts? I think the Book of Hebrews gives us the answer:
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the Cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
So we need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. In other words, we need to engage in spiritual “self-care” by staying closer than ever to the Lord. But how do we do that?
Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving

While we don’t often hear this during Advent, we do that by committing ourselves to what we often think of as the traditional Lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Perhaps that is by coming to Church for Eucharistic Adoration each week, praying the Rosary more frequently, committing to read a chapter of the Gospels each day, or just sitting quietly in the presence of God. Whatever it is, make it a point to spend time in prayer, just you and the Lord.
While that might sound difficult given all the distractions we have in our lives, that is where fasting comes in. It doesn’t have to be food, which actually might seem strange during this time of celebrations and parties, although if that works for you by all means do it. For me, I shut off the news and social media, which might be the easiest way to find peace, and certainly gives more space in my mind and heart for Jesus.

Finally, find some charity to support – that could be a monetary donation, but it will be so much more meaningful to do something, maybe donating a child’s gift to Toys for Tots, or volunteering at My Brother’s Keeper. Everyone is in a different place financially, but we can all give of our time to others, even if it is just calling on someone who might be alone, or hurting as they feel the loss of a loved one more acutely this time of the year.

Those are just suggestions, and you have to find what works for you. But commit yourself to additional time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. That will keep you centered on what – or really who – is most important, and really allow you to enter into the joy of the season.
Giving Each Other the Greatest of Gifts: Jesus
But even as you do that, never forget that the point of our faith and our work is not just a personal relationship with Jesus, but to share the love of Christ with everyone we encounter. Find meaningful and concrete ways to keep Christ in Christmas for others, especially those who might not know the Lord. But do it quietly, not banging them over the head about how they are living their lives wrong, or arguing over whether to say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays,” but by sharing God’s love with them through your words and your deeds. Love others, sincerely, without guile, from the heart, and be a person of humility, mercy, and forgiveness – in other words, a person like Jesus.
Then, when the opportunity presents itself, point them to Jesus, and share the reason for Christ’s birth, and what that has meant for your life and the true joy it has given you. If you do that, you will truly fulfill the “reason for the season,” which is to help restore the world to friendship with God, and to teach us to love one another. Then just maybe, we will come a little closer to truly knowing peace on earth, and goodwill among men and women. And what a beautiful Christmas gift that would be.

A Blessed Advent to you all.