Part 1
Each December brings the same temptation for Catholics: Join the commercially oriented Christmas frenzy in nearly every corner of modern society; or avoid it for the sake of focusing on living and breathing the meaning of Advent in preparation of the real Christmas season. The tension between the movement of society and Christmas is perhaps not too different than what occurred at the time of Jesus.
Saints Elizabeth and Zechariah heard the news that the birth of Jesus was coming (Luke 1:39‑45) while they were busy preparing for their own upcoming birth. Mary and Saint Joseph traveled by themselves to Bethlehem, where Jesus would be born, doing what the government required them to do (Luke 2:1‑5). Jesus was not born in a home or an inn surrounded by others; it was a modest event to the human eye with the Holy Family being the only humans being present (Luke 2:6‑7). Only later were there some shepherds (Luke 2:8‑20) and Magi (Matthew 2:1‑12) that participated in the blessed event. As we can see, from the very beginning, the birth of Christ went unnoticed by most of the corporeal world. We too should not fear having a different rhythm and set of habits for the upcoming holiday season as we prepare through Advent for the true meaning of Christmas: The Nativity of our Lord.
The Directory of Popular Piety and the Liturgy provides many insights into celebrating Advent with the heart and mind of the Church. It provides three key themes for the celebration of Advent: “a time of waiting, a time of conversion and a time of hope”. The theme of waiting is to remember the initial coming of Jesus 2,000 years ago in the city of Bethlehem, as well as our current waiting for “his final, glorious second coming as Lord of History and universal Judge”. The theme of conversion is at the heart of the Advent celebrations as we, too, seek to repent and be ready for the coming of Christ. The theme of hope speaks of our hope for all that is possible by Christ’s grace as we grow in holiness.
Perhaps it might be beneficial to revisit some less often quoted words concerning Advent and Christmas: During Advent, the Church arouses in us the consciousness of the sins that we have had the misfortune to commit, and urges us to recollect ourselves in meditation, and experience a longing desire to return to God, who alone can free us, by His grace, from the stain of sin and from its evil consequences.
With the coming of the birthday of the Redeemer, the Church would bring us to that cave near Bethlehem and there teach us that we must be born again and undergo a complete reformation. That will only happen when we are intimately and vitally united to the Word of God made man and participate in His divine nature, to which we have been elevated.
This is a profound call that the Church has for us this Advent and every Advent. It is truly to make Advent more than religious activities but rather a period of grace-filled waiting, authentic and deeper conversion, and a renewed sense of hope.
More on that tomorrow.
May God Bless You and Grant You His Peace!