Starting Anew This Advent

By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB

Advent is defined as “the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.”

For Christians, Advent is the 4 weeks leading up to Christmas in preparation for the arrival of a notable person (Jesus Christ), thing (salvation), and event (a day celebrated for millennia).

We've done this before.

As we begin the new liturgical year, let’s start anew. Let’s read the Gospel accounts with fresh eyes and open heart, perhaps the way we browse the family album and history.

We look at the pictures of our great grandparents, find out who they were, where they lived, who their children were and what they are noted for in our family history.

Often we decide to imitate some virtue our relative is known for.

The difference, of course between reading about Jesus and looking at the family album is that Jesus Christ is God.

He still lives, and his spirit guides our every breath.

His spirit is in you and in me and in every created thing and person.

Advent is a time, then, to remind us that Jesus still lives in us and in others.

Advent Scripture readings provide us with ideas of how we might imitate Jesus Christ in our everyday living.

Questions for Reflection

Who needs my special care and kindness?

How can I make time to be “another Christ” for that person?