Advent – Patiently waiting for the coming of Christ

It’s hard to wait for Christmas, especially when stores display holiday decorations before Halloween, radio stations begin playing Christmas music before Thanksgiving and Black Friday – and this year Brown Thursday – and Cyber Monday shopping sales push you to buy now and buy more.

But by focusing on the season of Advent instead of the Christmas decorations, holiday parties and presents, we can hopefully slow down and remember what Christmas is all about. And for what and for whom we are waiting.

Dec. 1 marked the first day of the Advent season – a season of waiting and preparing for the coming of Christ into our world and our lives. We prepare for the celebration of the mystery of God becoming one with our human condition in Jesus Christ.

During Advent, we also prepare for Christ’s second coming at the end of time.

“Christ has come to us in history. Christ comes to us in Word and sacrament and Christ will come in glory,” said Father Denny Hanneman, pastor of St. Mary Parish in Bellevue. “We stand in the midpoint and we dare to hope and, in fact, eagerly await his coming in the present and in the future.”

The themes of this season invite us to ponder our longing for the gift of salvation, the waiting with patience, and anticipation for the full realization of the Christian mystery, which we now hold in our hearts with hope, he said.  

Advent provides an opportunity to practice how we will respond when Christ comes again, and learn to recognize Christ and receive him whenever and however he comes into our lives, said Father Jim Golka, pastor of St. Patrick Parish in North Platte.

“Christ will be born in us if we accept the fact that we need him,” he said.

How much do you need Christ in your life? That’s something to ponder during Advent.

Advent also is the season of gift-giving. Now giving and receiving gifts can either make you crazy or it can help you share more fully in God’s life. How you celebrate Advent will make all the difference, Father Golka said.

“During this time of year we are contemplating the great mystery of our God who is by nature a gift-giver. God has given God’s self into our world to be one with us,” he said. “We give gifts because we are participating in the most wonderful gift ever exchanged: the life we are able to share in Christ Jesus.”

Celebrating the season

Advent provides ample opportunity for us to grow in our faith either as individuals or as a family. Both Fathers Golka and Hanneman suggested ways to celebrate Advent. Here are some ideas:

1.      Use an Advent Wreath, a Jesse Tree or pray together as a family. 

2.      The beauty of the season is captured uniquely in the Scripture readings for the days of Advent. Take the time to read and ponder these beautiful readings.  

3.      Use the themes of Advent and Christmas to deepen your understanding of our Church’s teachings on social justice. For example, Jesus who is born into straw poverty calls us to help care for all impoverished children and all who are less fortunate.  The birth of Jesus and the murder of the innocents call us to continue our work against abortion and to develop greater respect for the gift of human life. The miraculous pregnancy of Mary can provide an opportunity to speak about sex-education and especially the wonder and respect for our bodies and the reproductive process. The gifts of the Magi might help us better understand stewardship principles which call us to nurture and tend to God’s gifts in responsible and loving ways.

4.      Parents, take time to discuss with your children who Jesus is to you. Why have you decided to follow Jesus with your life? What helps you to better follow Jesus? What gets in the way of your following Jesus? Why is it important to you that your children know Jesus?

5.      Simplify Christmas preparations so that they don't become burdensome.  I think it's important to remember the reasons why we give gifts and try to focus on the importance of passing on Christmas customs to future generations.

6.      Advent is a good time for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, even though this season is not strictly penitential like Lent. What are the barriers that currently prevent me from receiving the Lord who comes?  What are the distractions that keep me from embracing the Lord who comes?

7.       Observe the family tradition of the Advent wreath at the principal family meal. Participate in the spirit of the season by buying gifts for the poor through local Advent Angel projects.

Blogged by Lisa Maxson, Senior Writer/Reporter