From the Editor’s Desk

Dec 01, 2024

By Patricia Pereira
As we enter the first Sunday of Advent, we are reminded that this is not just a time to eagerly anticipate Christmas but a season that calls for reflection, preparation, and spiritual renewal. Advent, which begins the Church’s liturgical year, is often overshadowed by the overwhelming Christmas commercialism that surrounds us. From the moment we step into the malls, we are greeted by sparkling Christmas decorations, festive music, and even invitations to holiday gatherings — well ahead of Christmas Day. In fact, I know friends who already have their Christmas trees set up, and some BECs have planned their carolling and potluck dinners, all taking place during Advent. While there’s nothing wrong with early celebrations, this rush to jump straight into Christmas can cause us to overlook the deeper purpose of Advent itself.

Pope Francis, in his messages over the years, has often reminded us that Advent is a time of spiritual preparation, a season of waiting and expectation for the coming of Christ. In his 2022 Advent message, he emphasised the importance of looking inward and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our hearts as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Advent is not just about the outward preparation of our homes or the festive season; it is primarily about preparing our hearts to receive the Saviour.

One of the key aspects of Advent, is the call to vigilance and openness to the grace of God. We are urged to “be awake, be alert” as we await Christ’s coming. This vigilance is not merely about avoiding distractions or the busyness of life, but also about focusing on the things that matter — our faith, our relationship with God, and our commitment to living as Christ taught us. Advent is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our own spiritual journey, to examine where we stand in our relationship with God, and to prepare ourselves for the renewal that Christmas brings.

In a world where distractions are abundant and the rush to get everything done often takes precedence, the Church invites us to slow down during Advent and take time for reflection. It’s not just about the external celebrations, but about preparing ourselves spiritually. This can be done in a number of ways: through prayer, reflection, attending Mass, and taking part in Advent talks, retreats, or online sessions that offer insights into the season. Advent is also a time for reconciliation. It is a time for personal renewal, where we turn to God in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, asking for His forgiveness and preparing ourselves to receive His grace more fully.

Advent invites us to focus on the waiting aspect of the season, just as the Jewish people waited for the coming of the Messiah. It is a time to reflect on the virtue of patience in a world that often demands instant results. Advent calls us into a period of hope, trust, and expectation, knowing that Christ comes to us in the most unexpected ways. The waiting is not a passive activity, but one that encourages us to be actively engaged in our spiritual lives. It’s an opportunity to open our hearts more fully to God, seek His guidance, and listen for His voice in the quiet moments.

Another important practice during Advent is charity and almsgiving. Advent is a time to focus on those in need, to remember the marginalised, and to serve those who may be suffering. By reaching out to others in love and kindness, we imitate Christ’s own compassion and prepare our hearts to welcome Him more fully at Christmas.

As we enter this holy season, let us remember that Advent is a time not only for outward preparations but, more importantly, for an inner renewal of our hearts and minds. Let us resist the temptation to skip ahead to Christmas celebrations without first reflecting on the meaning of this season. Let us approach Advent with the same anticipation and joy that the Church has for Christ’s coming. In doing so, we ensure that we prepare ourselves adequately — spiritually and mentally — for the gift of Christmas.

Whether through prayer, reconciliation, attending talks and reflections, or engaging in acts of charity, let us commit to making this Advent a time of true preparation. Let us use this season to deepen our faith, renew our spiritual life, and ready our hearts for the joy and peace that only Christ can bring. As Pope Francis reminds us, “Advent is the time to listen to God’s voice and to make space for Him in our hearts.”

May this Advent be a time of grace, renewal, and peace as we await the birth of our Saviour.