The liturgical seasons of the Church year each give special highlight to aspects of the Christian faith that are, in fact, present throughout the year. The Christmas Season underscores the reality that in Jesus, born in Bethlehem, God has truly shared our humanity. Lent reminds us of the need for penance and conversion. The Easter Season highlights the truth that Jesus conquered death and offers us eternal life by His resurrection.
This coming Sunday, we begin the Season of Advent. The theme of Advent is one of waiting and preparing.
The Scripture readings and prayers of Advent join us to the people of Israel in their waiting and longing for the coming of the Messiah. We will read with them the words of the prophets looking ahead to what will happen, “In the days to come.”
In the Gospels throughout Advent, we will be reminded of the importance of John the Baptist and God’s final preparation of His people for the coming of His Son. And our waiting and preparing will intensify in the last days of Advent as the Church focuses on Mary, on her conversation with the Angel Gabriel, and on her own waiting, especially before the birth of Jesus.
Advent reminds us that we are not alive and in this world by accident. Rather, every human person, made in the image and likeness of God, is in this world in a time of preparation and testing of our love. We are waiting to meet Christ, whether at the moment of death or at His second coming at the end of time.
Our sense of waiting is meant to stir up in our hearts the desire to be with Christ in His eternal kingdom. Advent, then, motivates us to look forward and not simply get stuck in the everyday reality and drudgery of this life. With this outlook, our every decision, big or small, our every thought and decision in this life, is part of our preparation for meeting Jesus.
Advent calls us, then, to wait with purpose, not simply idly. How can we use this short season to renew our hearts and our faith to make Christ welcome? Here are some suggestions.
First, the best preparation to meet Christ is related to prayer. We speak to Him now as a foretaste of our eternal conversation with God. Why not commit to one special element of prayer each day during Advent? It could be the rosary, either a decade or the whole recitation. Perhaps it could be as simple as setting up a manger scene and saying the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be in front of it. Or could you commit to one weekday Mass each of the weeks of Advent?
Secondly, our preparation always involves conversion. Be sure to make time for confession during Advent, especially if you have not confessed for a long time.
The Jubilee Year of Hope with the special Plenary Indulgence concludes on Jan. 6, 2026. Your Advent confession could be a fitting part of the conclusion of that Jubilee celebration.
Finally, honoring the simplicity and poverty of the Holy Family, consider some special contribution to the poor and needy. Of course a contribution to the poor box or a check to Catholic Charities is a good and worthy exercise. But what about some more personal participation such as giving time at a food bank, bringing food to the parish collection for the needy, or perhaps a visit to an elderly or sick relative or neighbor to alleviate their loneliness?
It’s important to be realistic and not to overcommit. That can lead to frustration and abandoning this important lesson of Advent in this midst of this busy time. But we will meet the Lord soon. Advent reminds us to be ready for that joyful encounter.
