It's hard to believe, but we have come to the close of another year. Next Sunday, November 27, 2011 is the first Sunday of Advent, the season of preparation for celebrating both the Incarnation of Christ, and His long awaited return. While our society pushes ahead to Christmas (Feast of the Incarnation) the Church holds us back, reminding us that we wait. Such is the motif of our lives in Christ. While we enjoy the celebrations of God's promises fulfilled, we wait for THE coming, the promise of promises to be fulfilled. In truth, the four weeks of Advent correspond in micro, to the whole of History in macro. Waiting means preparing. The four weeks of Advent give us opportunity to prepare, to pause, reflect, and with penitent hearts, to clear out the clutter that crowds out our devotion. Thus Advent prepares us to welcome our Savior with joy and exultation, not fear or sorrow. So also, Advent forces us to face the reality that we have a definite end coming- whether the Return of Christ or our own departure from this life. From the day of our birth we have been on this journey like it or not. It is the one "given," that is universally agreed upon. But there is another "given." It is the assurance that, through Christ, His coming, or our going, need not to be a fearful prospect. It can inspire us with hope, and Joy. I know that one day I will meet my Maker, and as I have welcomed him in this present life, so He will welcome me. This is the promise of God in Christ Jesus.
Won't you make room for Jesus? What are
you waiting for?
