What is the season of Advent?
Catechism Meditation:
When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior’s first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming. By celebrating the precursor’s birth and martyrdom, the Church unites herself to his desire: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” ―No. 524
REFLECTION. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that the season of Advent has two purposes — first, Advent is the time of preparation to celebrate Christmas, by which we are reminded of Jesus’ first coming into the world. Second, this Advent season is also an opportunity for us to be reminded of Jesus’ second coming. It emphasizes that Advent is a time of waiting, where we learn to desire Jesus’ presence in our lives.
Waiting is central to our faith. The Old Testament tells stories of people who waited for God’s promises, like Abraham, who waited for a son (Genesis 15), and the Israelites, who waited for freedom from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 3). Their waiting was often difficult, but it showed their trust in God’s plan. In Advent, we are reminded of their faith and hope. We are invited to reflect on our own times of waiting and how they can help us grow in patience, faith, and trust in God.
Advent is not just a countdown to Christmas. It is a special time of waiting that helps us prepare our hearts and minds for Jesus. It calls us to turn from sin, to hope in God’s promises, and to welcome Jesus into our lives. This waiting, filled with faith and love, helps us become more like Christ.
PRAYER. O Lord, as we await Your coming during this Advent, help us to practice the patience of love. You are the One who is, was, and is to come. We wait for You. Your promises are trustworthy and Your love never fails. We give You thanks for times of preparation and waiting.
Timeless Wisdom Quote:
“The Greek origin of the word patience suggests two ideas: one continuance, the other submission. Combined, they mean submissive waiting; a frame of mind willing to wait because it knows it thus serves God and his holy purposes. A person believes in nothing beyond this world is very impatient, because he has only a limited time in which to satisfy his wants.” ― Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen