Tag: #advent #preparing # waiting #giftsofhope

Our Advent Season is well underway; the time that marks the new liturgical year, with hope and time to prepare for the coming of Christ. The color used for these first two weeks is purple, signifying preparation and penance. In the last few years, I have heard Advent referred to as ‘little Lent’ with a deeper focus on sacrifice, repentance, scripture reading and prayer.

As we light the first purple candle on our advent home wreaths, the readings this week center on the coming of Christ and being prepared ‘for we know not when the hour Jesus will come’. He is the Light of the World and can and will overcome all darkness. We are asked to trust, even when life gets messy, difficult, or just plain out of control.

As we light the second purple candle for the second week of Advent, we focus on Peace. This candle is referred to as the Bethlehem Candle as we reflect on Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and the humble beginning of Jesus life. We take time away from the hustle and bustle of our well planned to do lists. This is the Peace only Christ can give us, but we have to stop awhile, pray, read scripture and listen for His voice of Peace.

Find a quiet moment to set aside each day to reflect on how this coming of Jesus, a small baby born in the cold dark night, laid in a manger, will change the course of the world.

”For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

PJP

ADVENT AND HOPE:

It is only 10 short days until we celebrate the Birth of Our Lord, the culmination of the Advent Season of preparing and waiting. In our faith, Advent is the beginning of the “New Liturgical Year”.  I have noted that each message during the homily this Advent is centered around HOPE, which is deeply encouraging, given the state of our world, some things in our personal lives and the various shifts in life many of us may be experiencing. The message has been that HOPE is a gift in our lives, one to be used and experienced, not only for ourselves but in ways to serve others, building them up and encouraging them. As I thought about this, I decided to reach out to someone that I thought could use encouragement and HOPE. There was not a response, but I HOPE that the message may  have helped in some way.

When I think of HOPE, I think of possibilities,  of new beginnings,  and the letting go of cumbersome worries, among just a few of the thoughts. I believe that it is HOPE that keeps up moving forward and not mired in the ‘downs’ or challenges we face. If we have HOPE, we have everything! It is not over; it is going to come to fruition, in the way that has been chosen for us by HIM. On December 25, the waiting and preparing, each in our own spiritual way, will come to fruition as Our Lord will arrive once again to bring us HOPE…..for us, our families, our lives, and our world.

Continue on in your preparations for the coming of the greatest HOPE there is.

PJP