December 4,2024
We are happily – I hope, in the season of Advent. Advent differs from the season of Lent, in Lent we are praying, fasting, and repenting. While in Advent we are hoping, trusting, and preparing for the coming of a wonderful guest! Emmanuel will soon be with us, and we need to prepare ourselves to welcome Him into our being.
It is very telling that this time of year can also be incredibly stressful if we put our priorities in the wrong order. Gifts, parties, cleaning, visiting; all of these can consume our time and occupy our minds and hearts, instead of leaving time that could be spent preparing our hearts to welcome Jesus. These items mentioned are not good or bad in themselves, but they can become overwhelming and then we become stressed. How do we continue to set aside time to be with our God preparing for the arrival of His Son?
For each of us, the recipe will be different with different ingredients. It is like baking a pie, each of us has our own way of making, for instance a coconut custard pie and yet the outcome is delicious. Create your Advent season in such a way that you can call upon our trusting God to help you prepare for the coming of His son. This year, I see Advent filled with TRUST and HOPE. God has never failed us, so trusting in His promises we await Christ’s coming in Hope.
Evangelist Andy Stanley once wrote, “It is easier to know something than it is to love someone.” Perhaps meaning that although we can know that Mary and Joseph trusted in God’s plan for them, can we live like them and follow what God has planned for us this Advent? Knowing – Loving. What have you asked God to accomplish with and in you this Advent? What is your recipe for preparing to greet our long-awaited Messiah?
The time is short and there are many demands on our lives. Spend some time today or during the week checking in on the ingredients of your recipe for a trusting and hopeful Advent. There are so many helps there on the internet or reflection books, invest your time in finding one. May your Advent be filled with lots of trust in God’s plan for you, and hope that you are able to fulfill His plans.
Till next week,
Sister Theresita
