What are we really waiting for during Advent? The longstanding tradition of the Church is that the Advent season really marks not one but three comings of Christ: his coming into history two thousand years ago, his coming in glory at the end of time, and his coming into our hearts here and now. Advent starts with a focus on the future coming of Christ so that we might see the big picture. If Christmas is to make any sense at all, we have to ask the question, “What are you doing to get ready for the (final) coming of Christ?” This perspective opens us up to the sense of anticipation experienced by the Jewish people on the eve of the first coming of Christ. This Advent, we will hear John the Baptist tell them (and us) how best to prepare. He urges repentance and an examination and reform of our way of life. Then on the Fourth Sunday, we are drawn in to the history of Jesus’ arrival as the child of Joseph and Mary. Our work of spiritual preparation brings us to the point of the whole season. What good is it that Christ comes into my heart if I don’t then carry that presence out into the world, just as Mary did?
Original source can be found here.
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