As we enter into the season of advent, I thought it appropriate to reflect briefly on this season of prayer and preparation that links our present longing with that of the Israelites of old.  Advent is a season of prayer and penance observed that the faithful may prepare for the coming of Christmas.  The most common symbol associated with this season is that of the Advent Wreath.  The four candles of this seasonal symbol, which are lit progressively with each Sunday of the season, represent the 4 thousand year period portrayed in the scriptures that passed between the promise of a redeemer to Israel and the coming of Jesus.  It is this element of waiting for the promised messiah that links us spiritually with these ancient children of Abraham.  As we sing such advent hymns as “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” do we stop to reflect on what and who we are longing for?  I fear that often we simply sing such hymns in expectation of the joyful Christmas season without digging into spiritual richness within them.  The Israelites of old had been promised that a great savior would be sent to them and over the course of centuries, they waited and prayed for his coming.  While anticipating the Christmas season and memorial of the birth of Christ we share in the solidarity of these ancient people crying out for their Christ, as Christians we also have a present promise of the second coming of our Lord.  Just as the Israelites cried out for the first coming, we as member of Christ’s Church wait in our exile and cry out for our Lord to return to us as he promised.  Advent, in a sense, is a microcosm of the entire Catholic life, a preparation and a longing for the return of our Jesus in glory.  May He not find us unprepared.

God Bless,