It’s late in the calendar year. The darkness increases as we draw nearer to winter, but on this first day of Advent—the very first day of our Church year—we are called to wake up early, while it is still dark. “It is the hour now for you to awake from sleep. For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed; the night is advanced, the day is at hand. Let us then throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Rom 13: 11-12).
Advent means the arrival of a notable thing or person. Jesus is notable, indeed! In this season, we prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christmas and anticipate the second coming of our Lord. In our Gospel today, Jesus exhorts us to stay awake because we do not know when He will return (cf Mt 24:42). The rest of the world may lay sleeping and comfortable, but as Christians, we are called to rise early in the darkness, light the candles of our faith, and dispel the darkness of sin. The world might seem dark right now, both literally and figuratively. However, we are filled with hope because Christ, the Light of the World is coming soon (Jn 8:12).
We have hope because “the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining” (1 Jn 2:8). This week, light the candle of hope on your Advent wreath and pray for Christ to light the way for us all. For everyone who lights the candle of their faith, for everyone who hangs a string of twinkling lights but isn’t sure why, and for everyone whose eyes are blinded by darkness (1 Jn 2:8).
Lord Jesus, help me to stay awake and be ready for you. Increase my hope in your Advent. Help me rejoice in Your coming in history as our Savior, in mystery in the Eucharist, and in majesty in Your second coming.