One good thing that the modern world offers us is the ability to ascertain things. For instance, the major international news channels provide weather forecasts for the next few days, allowing us to prepare ourselves for any eventuality. Moreover, in high-tech countries, they have an efficient transport system that the arrival of trains and buses to a certain stop or station can be determined Just look at the monitors or TV screens in stations or on bus stops, and there you have the information. These are the advantages we find in the present world.
Today is the First Sunday of Advent and in this season we recall the first coming of God into our midst. We remember that moment in which Jesus humbled himself and became man. He became one with us because of his desire to save us. While we recall the first coming, we are also reminded about the second coming of Christ. We anticipate it, but the knowledge of this future event is beyond our capabilities. The exact time of arrival can never be predicted. No technology presently available, although advanced, can determine it. It will remain ever elusive.
Consequently, Christ suggests to us some proper attitudes. These attitudes are both applicable to the coming Christmas and to Christ’s second coming as well.
Firstly, Christ proposes us to “stay awake”. It is amazing to note that the world today can be characterised as being awake and prepared. We have commercial establishments which offer a ’24 hour’ service, like locksmiths, the RACV and Roadside Assistance. They are always there assisting us. Likewise, the world of the internet is wide-awake 24 hours a day and users keep themselves “logged in” all the time.
But spiritually speaking, what does it mean to stay awake? Firstly, staying awake means to keep in our minds the conscious decision to enter into the spirit of Advent. The word ‘advent’ means coming and Advent is a period of waiting for someone special to come. The traditional Advent wreath is placed in the church and candles will be lit each week.
At the same time, we must keep in mind Christ comes not only for the Christmas season, but that his second coming will be at the end of time. We should always have this constant awareness.
Secondly, Christ suggests we should “be prepared” for his coming. Preparation for any eventuality is no stranger to us. For example, we spend a lot of money, time and energy on some preparations, such as preparing for a party, preparing for an interview or a career move, preparing for a wedding or for the birth of a baby. Other examples include preparing to move into another house or for building a new home or for retirement and many more.
In the same way, we need to prepare for the coming of the Lord. During Advent, our physical preparation which is very evident, should be accompanied by a spiritual preparation. Conversion is not only associated with the Lenten season. It is also applicable during the Advent season. The conversion should include the conversion of our hearts. There has to be a movement from selfishness to selflessness; from being not very generous to being generous.
It’s the Christmas season once again. It has been quite a year for many of us. Whether our 2021 journey has been good or bad, happy or sad; hey, we still made it here! We all have our share of trials and pains, but we are still here, still alive, still awake, and still kicking!
May the urgent call of the Advent season for vigilance and preparedness, convince each one of us not to postpone our conversion, and not to postpone our hearts. Let us resolve to make the rest of our lives the best we can!
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