I was running errands the other day, and when I walked into one of our local stores, I heard these familiar words of this Christmas song:
“Haul out the holly; put up the tree before my spirit falls again.
Fill up the stockings, I may be rushing things, but deck the halls again now.
For we need a little Christmas, right this very minute, candles in the window, carols at the spinet.
Yes, we need a little Christmas, right this very minute. We need a little Christmas now.”
I totally get this sentiment; however, I want to suggest that what we really need is a little Advent, right this very minute. Maybe it will help all of us to see that Advent is the best way to prepare for Christmas. Advent is the time to empty ourselves of all that holds us back from fully receiving the Lord into our hearts and the fulfillment and joy that it brings.
Advent calls us to live in anticipation of a new beginning and a new coming of the Lord. It is a season of joyful preparation. We will be continually invited through scripture readings to clear away all that entangles us and distracts us, and to open a space in our hearts, our homes, our relationships and our lives, in order for the Lord Jesus to come. This is the gift of Advent.
The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin words, ad-venio or adventus, which both signify a coming. The message we proclaim during this wonderful Advent season is that Lord is always coming for those who look for Him. However; ultimately, it will come down to each one of us – to make the choice to accept this invitation and to then prepare for the coming of the Lord.
Let us take time this Advent to try and slow down the frantic pace of our lives; to lay our burdens aside and to rest in the Lord. Let us become aware of the many blessings of this season and for all those around us who need us to be Christ to them. Let us continue to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus’ coming, so that we are able to accept the newborn King in all his splendor and glory.
Jesus continues to come to all those who make themselves ready. What we need is a little Advent, right this very minute! Are you ready?
