“Your redemption is at hand.” Luke 21: 28
“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life.” Luke 21:34
“Be vigilant at all times.” Luke 21:36
Advent is one of my favorite times of the liturgical year. For me it is a time of spiritual hibernation and waiting. Like a bear going into its den for winter, it gives me time to rest in the Lord and to be spiritually nourished. The Church calls us to go deep into ourselves and prepare ourselves for the birth of Jesus. Jesus’s birth and Incarnation brings us face-to-face with our own bodies, lives, and death. God became man to live and die for our sins to give us eternal life. Emmanuel means “God with us.” Jesus means “God saves.”
The gospel passage from Luke may seem like a downer as we begin Advent after Thanksgiving. Yes, we must celebrate life with family and friends during the holiday season. We must also, however, be keenly aware of how precious and fragile life is. Christ tells us to be vigilant – – be present.
Keep your eyes on the prize – eternal life. One can only love life and live it fully, if they embrace death. Death comes to all; there is no escape. One of the best quotes from the saints regarding this is from Saint Francis of Assisi. When he was asked what he would do if he knew he would die that very day he simply said,” I would do exactly what I am doing now.” Saint Francis of Assisi was so connected to Christ through prayer and doing everything in and through Christ; death was just a transition – one he welcomed.
So, let’s take this time during Advent to go into our “caves” (and not our man caves, which are full of noise, distraction, superficiality, and numbs us) and dig deep. Connect to something greater than yourself. Be present and wait. Welcome the infant Jesus into your heart and into your life. As you hold Him close, know He alone can give us life – everlasting life.
