Today is the first Sunday of Advent.
With the beginning of Advent I’m reminded that it is a somewhat penitential season. Not as severe as Lent but penitential nonetheless.
In Advent we celebrate the two comings of Christ, the historical coming, that we call Christmas, but also the second coming. It’s that second coming that is primarily responsible for Advent, which literally means coming by the way, being a penitential season.
If you knew when Christ was going to return how would you change? That’s the question we should all ask ourselves. The answer to that question may cause changes in us that can pinch.
We may also choose prayer, fasting, and almsgiving disciplines similar to what we do during Lent. Those things aren’t required of us during Advent but some people find them helpful. You can see how doing something as we prepare for the second coming of the Lord, and to celebrate that first coming in a worthy way, could at least move us in the right direction.
My suggestion is to consider changing one thing that needs to be changed, or at least add one thing to help you grow closer to Christ, as you celebrate Advent. Enjoy the season, and the secular Christmas season as well, as long as you make a little extra space for Christ in your heart.
From what I hear, and have seen on FaceBook, you might need to do a little penitential snow shoveling today. If that’s the case try to do it with joy in your heart and be sure to take care of your health.
That’s it for now. Thanks for reading.
I hope you have a great and hopeful first week of Advent.
Peace, Bob
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