PREPARE

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Today’s Readings:

Jeremiah 33:14-16

Psalm 24:4-5,8-9,10,14;

1Thessalonians 3:12-4:2

Luke 21:25-28,34-36

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If Jesus Christ returns on Christmas Day, will He find you ready for the heavenly celebration? My guess is no, and the reason is simple: we are not prepared for His coming. We are preoccupied with the festivities of Christmas. The season of Christmas is preceded by four Sundays of spiritual preparation known as the season of Advent. Advent marks the beginning of a new Liturgical year, so happy New Year to you. There are five seasons in the Liturgical year: Advent prepares us for Christmas. Lent prepares us for Easter, and then there is Ordinary Time. The word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival.” This season is marked by devout and joyful expectation as we recall the first humble coming of the Lord at Bethlehem. At the same time, we are invited to direct our mind and heart towards Christ’s final coming in glory at the end of time. 

When does Advent begin?

Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before the celebration of Christmas and ends at sunset on Christmas Eve (December 24th). During the first part of Advent, from the beginning until 16 December, the focus of the liturgy is on the second coming of the Lord, while during the second part, from 17 to 24 December, the emphasis is on the immediate preparation for Christmas. During this time, Christians engage in reflection, prayer, and spiritual preparation. Jeremiah tells us that the Messiah’s coming is steeped in righteousness. He will bring salvation to Judah and restore the confidence of Israel. We Christians are the new Israel, and we should look forward to Christ's return with joyful and Holy anticipation. The Psalmist makes our preparation for Christ's return into a prayer: "Lord, make me know your ways. Lord, teach me your paths. Make me walk in your truth, and teach me, for you are God my Saviour." May Christ's return find you ready through the same Christ our Lord. Amen (Psalm 25). St Paul calls for spiritual progress. Waiting for God is not a "lack of activity". It involves an active love of neighbour, forgiveness of wrongs done, parting ways with sinful tendencies, and steady growth and love for the things of God, which make us Holy and perfect as our heavenly Father is Holy and perfect (Matthew 5:48).

Luke's Gospel encourages us not to be afraid of His return. We should be filled with joy because His coming is the crowning of our existence. We are made for Him, and our hearts are restless until they rest in Him (St Augustine). As part of our preparations, we ought to remain in prayer and be vigilant. We must never allow ourselves to be sucked in by gluttony, drunkenness, getting high and consumed by useless worries.

                                                                                                JUDE-MARY OWOH

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To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”

 If you said the prayer, Congratulations! You are welcome to the body of Christ. Prayerfully seek out a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor, or priest.

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Prayer:

1. May Christ's return find you ready.

2. May the peace of Christ rule over your life and chase away fear.

3. May God grant you healing and transformation.

4. May the forces of evil be dispelled from your life.

5. May God grant you the courage to do away with sin.

6. May God fill you with the riches from His house.

7. May God crown you with wisdom and a sense of readiness for His second coming through Christ our Lord. Amen.

A blessed and fruitful Advent Season. May the Lord make us ready for His coming at Christmas and at the end of our earthly journey through Christ our Lord. Amen.