“So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” (Matthew 24:44)

The major theme for this first Sunday of advent focuses on the upcoming of our Lord Jesus Christ into our world and lives. Today the Church begins a new liturgical year in which we are invited to reflect again on God’s economy of salvation through the life of Jesus Christ, beginning with His birth within the human history, the mystery of the Incarnation (Christmas) and ending with His final victory and glorification as the King of the Universe (Christ the King).
Today is the “Sunday of Anticipation and Hope” in God and His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, through whom God has promised to save and redeem His people. Today we begin our yearly re-enactment of the drama of our salvation. It is our yearly pilgrimage through the scenes and events of our history of salvation applied to our lives. 

Advent is a time of preparation, anticipation and longing for the coming of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word “adventus,” which means “arrival.” Its corresponding Greek word is “parousia,” which is commonly used for the “second coming of Christ,” that has three different perspectives: (1) the physical nativity, the historical birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, (2) the reception of Christ in the heart of the believer that we welcome him into all areas of our lives, and (3) the eschatological Second Coming of the “Son of Man” as our judge at the end of time.

From the earliest days of the Church, people have been fascinated by Jesus’ promise to come back. But the scripture readings during Advent tell us not to waste our time with predictions. Advent is not about speculation. Our Advent readings call us to be alert and ready, not weighted down and distracted by the cares of this world.  

God does not want us holding a relationship of Transaction but Transformation. Therefore, Dynamic Christian disciples are those who (1) BELIEVE, (2) GROW, (3) SERVE, (4) LOVE and (5) LEAD others to Jesus. Today’s topic invites us to prepare for the upcoming of our Lord Jesus Christ, to repent our sins, to exercise our Christian stewardship, to use our time, treasure and talents to love God above all and to love our neighbors as ourselves, participating in the works of mercy, to accomplish God’s will in our lives to glorify God. 

How can we help each other anticipate vigilantly with hope to prepare for the coming of our Lord and Savior in this Advent season? 

Wishing you a blessed week in the Lord.