Advent inaugurates a new liturgical year. In this year, Holy Mother Church “unfolds the whole mystery of Christ…. Thus recalling the mysteries of the Redemption, she opens up to the faithful the riches of her Lord’s powers and merits, so that these are in some way made present in every age; the faithful lay hold of them and are filled with saving grace.”
The word “Advent” is from the Latin for “coming.” We share in the long preparation for the Savior’s first coming as the Church, through the Advent liturgy, makes present the ancient expectancy of the Messiah. By “straightening His path” into our own lives and making room for Christ, we prepare for His coming to us individually through grace, praying to Him to be ever more intimately with us, for His rebirth in our hearts at Christmas. And, by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior’s first coming, we renew our ardent desire for His second.
One Christmas Eve, I was sorry Advent was over. Certainly, I wanted Christmas to come; however, it dawned on me that I, who usually am rather impatient, actually enjoy Advent waiting. There are certain things about Advent that are just awesome… the hymns rich with meaning, the Advent wreath shining in a darkened room… Yes, periods of waiting, imbued with anticipation for that which is expected, have a beauty worth not missing. They are treasures our society needs to re-discover. We need the ability, while looking forward with joyful hope to God’s action in the future, to savor the present moment and live with Him in it. As in waiting for Christmas, so in other situations our capacity to receive what God will give us is enlarged as He increases our desire for it as we wait.
Let’s live this Advent with Our Lady in joyful and devout expectation of her Son’s birth. Perhaps no one can understand this time so well as you mothers who have waited for the birth of one or more children. Share anew with your families Advent hymns and traditions that help us wait in anticipation of Christ’s birth. |
