November 28, 2010: First Sunday of Advent

"Let us lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light…put on the Lord Jesus Christ."

Salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light…put on the Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 13: 11-12, 14)

As we begin the 4-week Advent season, and a new Church Year, let’s review why we have a season called Advent.
With Christmas just a month away, it is challenging to stay in Advent. We hear and see signs of Christmas all around us. People celebrate Christmas for weeks and some people are actually tired of Christmas by December 25th.
Advent helps us prepare for Christmas. It is a season of patient waiting in anticipation of Christmas when we will commemorate Jesus’ birth. Some Advent activities are suggested under Action.

The few lines above from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans invite us into the Advent season. Jesus is the Light of the world and as his disciples our actions and words should reflect the light of his life within us.

Action:

We are invited to keep Advent as best we can ~ by taking some quiet time each day for prayer, by trying not to celebrate Christmas too soon, by readying our hearts for the commemoration (remembering) and celebration of Jesus’ birth at Christmas time.
There are also many people to help or serve during the Advent season ~ the elderly, the poor, the sick, the neglected or discouraged. Maybe someone in your family needs your support. Choose someone and give them your special attention during this Advent.