Christmas often sneaks up on us amid the whirlwind of shopping and parties, leaving us feeling fatigued by the time December 25th arrives. We can become overwhelmed by the commercialized season, leading to a sense of boredom or impatience.
Advent, which means “coming,” is a time of waiting—a practice we’re not accustomed to. The liturgy encourages us to be ready and waiting, but what are we truly waiting for? Many might wish for the season to end, while others need to reflect on their expectations.
The liturgy reminds us to wait for the Lord, the coming of Christ. Yet in reality, Christ has already come; He is present among us. Jesus is here in our gatherings and sacramentally at the altar, living within us if we love Him.
So, how should we wait for the Lord? There are different ways to wait: a lonely man on a park bench, a traveler at an airport, and a pregnant woman in a maternity ward all embody distinct experiences of anticipation. The man may wait passively, hoping for company, while the traveler eagerly anticipates homecoming, and the expectant mother feels a mix of tension and joy as she awaits her child’s arrival.
Advent is about bringing to light the living Lord within us, transforming our faith into a vibrant reality. Christmas is not just a date; it’s when Christ becomes real in our lives.
How can we know that Christ has truly come? Isaiah and Matthew suggest that we can see His presence in acts of healing and good news for the marginalized. You don’t need to travel far to find those in need—they are all around you, at school, work, or in your community. By bringing love, support, and good news to those struggling, you bring Christ to them and deepen your connection to Him.
So, my friends, I leave you with these questions: Does your faith life reveal that Christ’s kingdom is being built? Do others see in you the one who is to come, or must they wait for another?
