EVERYDAY IS ADVENT
We begin now to
bring to a close this time of waiting, of preparation. We begin to turn our
attention now more seriously, more immediately, to the celebration of
Christmas. It is still Advent, certainly, and the season still points to the
future, but for most of us, I imagine, right now it points only about one day
into the future.
But even though all
that is true, there is still a sense in which long after Christmas is over and
forgotten, it will be Advent. It will still be Advent, because we will still be
waiting, we will still be preparing. There is a sense in which all of our life
is an Advent, and to celebrate this season is to celebrate being human.
The prophet Micah
speaks to this in the first reading. He speaks of hope, a virtue that has kept
the human spirit alive through generation after generation. A hope that has,
over the centuries been focused on a good many different things, a good many
different people. But usually that hope is expressed in the same way. When this
person comes, or that event happens, then our lives will be changed, things
will be better.
And so again, that
age old, life-giving hope becomes focused, focused this time on Christ, the
final fulfillment of that hope. So now Advent closes, as it began, really, with
an image of patient, trusting faith. A faith that was composed with as much
understanding as possible. Mary even questioned the angel for a few more
details at the Annunciation, but a faith which did not depend on understanding
for its force. "Am I going to believe, or not?"
Points to Pray and Ponder: As a people of faith, it is always Advent.