The Importance of Advent

Jesus said to his disciples: "Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come." [Mark 13:33] And so the Gospel warns us on the first Sunday of Advent. Such cheery greetings! While Advent is a wonderful time of preparation for the coming of Jesus, it is also connected to the coming of God-the second coming-Parousia [Greek] when time will end, and eternity will begin. Advent is a bit more complicated than we sometimes think. The season might get too incorporated with the hustle and bustle of the holidays, leaving no room for real preparation, reflective thought and some introspection about the things that really matter.

Finding meaning in the season puts into perspective the love that we have for those in our family, our friends, coworkers and the community. When we take the time to add it all up, it gives us a keen sense of what we need and what people really need from us. Perhaps, then, the gift list that we all fret about can be more meaningful. What gift is best for us, what do we really need? What gift is best for our family members and those we love? What gift should we give to the community? And finally, do these gifts add up to the ultimate gift that God wishes from us?  

By being watchful, we focus on the end result-what we wish to be known for at the end…how we wish to be remembered, how we want our lives to add up. Being present to this thought strengthens our vision in a way that blurs the unimportant things and makes clear what we really need to accomplish. Unfortunately, the loud commercialism that shrouds the beautiful season of Advent plays into our weaknesses-the bigger the gift, the better, etc. We always know the opposite, but few of us are brave enough to bring those gifts forward. May Advent be a time of strength and conviction to act and live in that love.

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