The First Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of a new liturgical year and the season of preparation for the coming of Christ. It is a time of hope, anticipation, and invitation. We are challenged to prepare and ready ourselves.

There are two common messages we will hear until Christmas.

First message: Santa Claus is coming to town. Translation: Buy! Buy! Buy!

Second message: Joy to the World, the Lord is coming. Translation: Time is short, make it count!

The world wants us to be distracted by decorating, spending and the illusion that everything is mistletoe and holly.

The Gospel slaps us in the face and says; Wake up! Be on your guard! For you do not know when the Lord will come.

Sounds like scary stuff.

We never know if this will be our last Christmas. We are being asked to wake up, get out of the worldly stupor, and rise-up from our spiritual sleepiness, petty indulgences and routines. Wake up!

We don’t like to wait, so we decorate months in advance. We put off spiritual work because it requires a sobering look at ourselves. We hide behind tinsel and libations until God finally gets our attention.

God is coming to us, and we must be prepared. At Christmas He should find us ready to welcome Him. We must make the necessary course adjustments. Advent is a gift to do just that. Pray, “Lord make me know your ways, teach me your paths. Make me walk in your truth and teach me.” (Ps 24)

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