Is Advent the only time you prepare for the coming of Christ?
Or, is it a time when you “step it up a bit” from your regular devotions?
My blogging friend William O’Leary wrote a great Advent post with this in mind.
If only every day was Advent
In his post, William quotes Pope John Paul the Great speaking about the liturgy of Advent and what it means for our lives:
“It is necessary to understand that the whole of our life must be an ‘advent,’ a vigilant awaiting of the final coming of Christ. To predispose our mind to welcome the Lord…Therefore, Advent is, so to speak, an intense training that directs us decisively toward him who already came, who will come, and who comes continuously.”
Life, the macro season
I’ve often said that Lent is like the whole Christian life in miniature, and the whole Christian life is like a “macro-Lent.” I think the same thing applies to the penitential season of Advent as well.
Everything in the Christian life is oriented toward one thing–union with God. That union is helped and increased by sharing of God’s very life through grace.
This union happens in a special way through the sacraments–most especially the Eucharist. But everything you do is an opportunity to increase that life of God within you.
Every prayer, every sacrifice, every thought about God, and every time you choose something for love of him, you increase that grace. You become closer to him because your soul becomes more like him.
Penitential seasons are times when you really turn it on. They are intense times of training where you renew your efforts and focus them.
In Lent, it’s about purification and enlightenment. You seek to purify your soul…clear it of sinful habits so the grace of the Risen Christ will give you new understanding and new life.
During Advent, you dispose yourself to recognize the Christ child as savior, to accept him as Lord, and to give him the gift of yourself.
Catechetical takeaway
The truth is, however, this is something you must do over and over again in your life.
You must learn to recognize him in daily events. You should strive to accept his will. You should turn your heart to him in love every day, not just Christmas.
Of course, that’s not easy. But that’s why you train!
As you enter the final days of Advent, take stock of your disposition. Are you ready to renew your commitment to Christ? Are you ready to follow his will for your life? Are you prepared to recognize him in the everyday happenings of your life?
Even with only a few days left, you can check your attitude and commit to change this year.
God bless and may Christ fill your heart with his love this Christmas day!
It is definitely time for me to step up my devotions. I was lazy this Advent. I let my “busyness” be my excuse for not spending time with God on purpose, reflecting on His sacrifice for us.
“During Advent, you dispose yourself to recognize the Christ child as savior, to accept him as Lord, and to give him the gift of yourself.” Thank you for this!
Thanks Elizabeth. It’s not too late! You still have Christmas day.
I pray the Lord greatly blesses you at Christmas Mass with the gift of his love.
Good questions to reflect upon Marc!
Thanks William! And thanks for your post.