Advent Greetings – Think on These Things . . .!

Be watchful! Be alert! (Mark 13:33)

These words certainly do sound familiar, don’t they? Over and over again, we are warned to lock our doors, set our alarms and not talk to strangers. But that’s not what Jesus was talking about. The watching that Jesus urges us to do – the watching that is at the heart of the season of Advent – isn’t meant to make us fearful or tense. On the contrary, it’s supposed to fill us with expectation and even joy- just as we pray at Mass asking our Father to “protect us from all anxiety as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.”

But just what are we watching and waiting for? The fulfillment of God’s promises – the time when every tear will be wiped away and all pain and suffering will end (Revelation 21:4). For the time when we will be gathered around God’s throne, completely immersed in his love and filled to overflowing with his divine life. We’re not waiting just for Christmas; we’re waiting for the fulfillment of everything that Christmas began – Jesus’ glorious return!

Rather than passively waiting, try to spend this Advent actively anticipating the Lord. Invite him to meet you in prayer and at Mass. Look for him in the face of a stranger – or a difficult family member. Let the sights, sounds, and smells of the season lift your imagination and give you a glimpse of the celebration that awaits you.

Brothers and sisters, don’t sleep through heaven! It’s all around us, if we but open our eyes. Don’t sleep through the miracle of God becoming man, either. Believe that Jesus is with you right now, wants to shower you with his love and grace. Open your eyes, and you will begin to see signs that the kingdom is coming – signs that will fill your heart with hope and expectation.

A blessed and Holy Advent to all!

The Very Rev. Canon Dr. Glenworth D. Miles†

Dean of St. Matthew’s Deanery
Archdeaconry of Brooklyn