How Do We Approach Advent?

Of all the feast days/holidays of the year, Christmas is my favorite. In fact, I think for most people, it stands out as their favorite, too. But in order for it to be what it is supposed to be for the Christian, certain aspects of Christmas should be in proper order. Might I suggest that this year we approach this festive day and season in such a way as to make it the best we have ever celebrated.

First, to keep in mind that the Church sets before us a season of spiritual preparation that puts into motion the feast day to come. It is called “Advent,” Four Sundays, and the days to follow in which we anticipate the birthday of Jesus as if His birth was happening for the first time. If we look upon these weeks as a time when we prepare ourselves spiritually, then Christmas can have an entirely new meaning for us. Preparing for His birth can be a life-changing experience, especially when what we do is not all that complicated. Let me suggest a return to Sunday Mass. Granted, if you are reading this, you’re probably back to Church, but just in case, the word, “Advent,” means “coming” and not just about the coming of the Christ, but the coming we experience when we return to our spiritual home once again.

Second, how about confession? I’ve noticed over the years how this sacrament has received different titles like “reconciliation,” and “Penance.” I prefer another title: “the sacrament of peace.” I don’t think I have ever ‘liked” going to confession – but I know that I really like the spiritual feeling of leaving the confessional, and “peace” is always how I feel. If you do not like to go to confession, you’re in the majority of people – but I suspect that when you have made a good confession – and all is cleansed, “peace” is what you feel – and it feels good.

Third, one of my favorite contemporary songs is called “Anticipation” by Carly Simon. She sings, “And tomorrow we might not be together. I’m no prophet, and I don’t know nature’s ways. So I’ll try and see into your eyes right now, and stay right here ‘cause these are the good old days.” I think of a season like Advent in which we try to grow closer to the Lord, to “see into His eyes” as we journey to Christmas and when we do, the here and now of Advent and Christmas makes this new season full of memories that years from now we say, “these are the good old days.” There’s nothing quite like basking in the joy of being in the presence of the Lord as we anticipate His birth, and indeed when He comes. Let’s anticipate what is to come on December 25 – but not too fast – and not too soon – and reflectively, joyfully await His coming.

Finally, (though I hope you have your own thoughts here) – finally, make these seasons good and holy for someone else. The child in us often finds us at this time of year thinking about ourselves – but for the Christian – it’s always about Jesus, and it’s always about those around us for whom this season is not joyful. But we can make a difference in their lives: we can look into their eyes right now, and see the very person whose birth we are about to commemorate, and the joy we feel is the joy we share with others. Have a blessed Advent, and an even greater and blessed Christmas. It will make the best memories for years to come. “Come, Lord Jesus, Come!”