First Sunday of Advent

originally published on November 29, 2020

Advent, a season of waiting, preparing, and hoping begins! Waiting for what? Waiting for Jesus to come at Christmas!

But he already came, right? Yes, in history he came, and he will come again like he promised. But liturgically, we relive his first coming (the first Advent), and we anticipate with joy his second coming to be realized in the future (the second Advent).

So, while waiting for such an important event as the coming of a King, we need to prepare ourselves and make room in the Inn of our hearts for Him.

And of hoping? Hope is a great theological virtue rooted in faith. We indeed hope (and confidently expect) all of God’s promises to be accomplished in history, in due time, even though we as yet await their fulfillment.

When people ask “Are you ready for Christmas?” like they do sometimes, what should we say? Should we recount all the presents bought and wrapped, all the food prepared for our guests, all the cards sent to family and friends? Sure, mention all that. But remember what the main preparations are: Making room in our hearts for the coming King!