Advent

“Be on the watch. Pray constantly....” Luke 21:36

In my other Bibles, it reads: “Be vigilant at all times, be on guard, be awake, be alert, and pray...” This is how to prepare for Jesus’ coming, for “the day will close on you unexpectedly, by surprise, suddenly, catching you unawares like a trap.” 

Today is the last day in the Catholic Liturgical Year. Tomorrow we start anew with the season of Advent. In the Philippines, most of us do not celebrate Advent, which is a time of waiting and preparation akin to the season of Lent. We hear the sounds and sights of Christmas as soon as the “ber” months come around. This is partly our fault. Our stores in the mall get decked out in red and green, with festive garlands all lighted up, in the hopes that people passing are reminded to buy gifts. 

Instead of being caught up in the frenzy of the season, the Church reminds us that Advent is a time to prepare us for heaven. The focus is on the end of all things. Jesus said in verse 34, that we should beware that our hearts do not become drowsy from carousing or drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life. Many of us get overburdened and depressed, weighed down, during this season, because of all the things we have to attend to. Gift-giving, new clothes, parties, overeating, strain not only the budget but also relationships, and our minds and bodies, if we are not careful. 

We should take heed. ALL THAT IS NOT IMPORTANT to the birthday celebrant. He wants us to sit down and talk with Him. He wants us to prepare our hearts to receive Him. Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is room for Him who is the giver of all gifts. Let us take time this Advent season to spend time with the Gift-Giver, the King of Kings. Let us get to know Him who who loved us first, and who loves us best!