THE LORD IS COMING

Today is First Sunday of Advent

Matthew 24:44
So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.

During my elementary years, I would know that Christmas is really near, not only because of the Christmas songs being played frequently in the radio or decorations being put up, but because my teacher would ask us to make an Advent Wreath. As I light up the first candle, I know that the celebration of the birth of our Lord is only four weeks away!

Advent is a season of preparation. If the season of Lent prepares us for what happened on Good Friday (execution) and Easter (resurrection), then during Advent, we thank God for Christ's first coming (Christmas), prepare for his final coming at the end of time, and celebrate Christ's presence among us today through the Spirit. Let us light up the path today for the Lord and prepare His way as He comes to our hearts.

Almighty Father, Your eternal Word took flesh on our earth when the Virgin Mary placed her life at the service of Your plan. Lift our minds in watchful hope to hear the voice which announces His glory and open our minds to receive the Spirit Who prepares us for His coming. Prepare our hearts and remove the sadness that hinders us from feeling the joy and hope which His presence will bestow, for He is Lord forever and ever.

Oh Jesus, excite in us a wonder at the wisdom and power of Your Father and ours. Receive our prayers as part of our service to You, our Lord who enlists us in God's own work for justice. Excite in us a joy responsive to the Father's joy. We fervently seek His will so we can serve with gladness, singing and love.

“His Name shall be: Wonderful One,
Strong God, Eternal One, Prince of Peace.
He shall sit on the throne of David,
And He will found a new Covenant
Which will last for ever and ever.”

Let us go rejoicing to the House of the Lord!