Des Moines, Iowa
"Advent is upon us. I think it is my favorite season. It corresponds best to my spiritual life which is one of longing for God's coming.
Advent is filled with hope! The Latin, advenit, means 'He is coming' or 'He is on the way toward us.' God's coming is nothing we can produce or even hasten. But it is something we can prepare for so that we might welcome Him well!
"The Church's Liturgy recommends to our contemplation three great figures who prepared the way of the Lord. Isaiah, who said that 'a virgin shall conceive and bear a son' and that this Messiah would heal every human ill on His holy mountain when He rescues us from our exile and slavery in sin. John the Baptizer, who said that we must have a complete conversion of heart and demonstrate it in just deeds in order to prepare for the One who 'will baptize with fire and the Holy Spirit.' And Mary, the door through whose trusting faith, humble hope and burning love our God is enabled to approach us.
"The Preface for the First Sunday in Advent says: 'When He (the Lord Jesus) comes may He find us watching in prayer, our hearts filled with wonder and praise.' There are two ways to live Advent. Either distracted by our commercialized society with preparations and premature parties or attracted by the Coming One to silent waiting, ardent longing and generous giving. The bustling inn in Bethlehem which had no room for Jesus typifies the first way. The wise men following the Star and the poor shepherds listening to the angels exemplify the second way.
"It is commonplace that many people sink into depression around this time of year. Why? Perhaps it is because they're concentrating on what they are giving and doing instead of what God is giving and doing. Perhaps they are trying to retrieve the magic of childhood Christmases, characterized by receiving and carefreeness, rather than looking forward to what they can do and give to others in imitation of God's self-giving. Perhaps the malls have become their temples, the office parties their search for holiday cheer, seeking happiness rather than giving it, their goal.
"Let's give some thought to how each of us and each of our families can better observe this Advent season in preparation for Christmas. First, let's put off Christmas until Christmas and use the traditional Advent wreath on the table as a focus for family prayer and conversation. Second, add a practice such as more frequent Mass attendance, some fasting, confession or remembering the poor in concrete ways. Let's focus on seeing our guests, family members and co-workers, especially those with whom we disagree, as the Holy Family in search of room in our hearts. Finally, let us accept the empty spaces in our own hearts instead of feeling sorry for ourselves. If we were completely self-satisfied, there would be no room for our Savior to come and stay with us! Then, when Christmas comes, we will be ready."
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