Advent

We are again in the season commonly called Advent. Advent is a Latin word which means coming or arrival. This means, of course, that we are in a season of preparation. We are to prepare our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls for the coming or arrival of Jesus Christ at His nativity.

The best way to prepare our person (heart, mind, body, and soul) for this coming feast and celebration is by entering into a time of asceticism: prayer, fasting, confession, and giving of alms. What this is supposed to do for us is to help us "let go" of things of the world and be open to the things of heaven. We are to change our focus from the material to the divine, from things temporal to things eternal. We are to be more spiritual than material. It is when we are most like God that we can best experience God in our midst and life.

We are to let go of our self-centered, selfish ways and desires through asceticism. Prayer reconnects us with God and His will. Fasting helps us to resist and control our passions. Confession helps us see who we are and how we need to correct or improve our thoughts, words, and deeds. And all of this will lead us to a better relationship with God and others around us. The giving of alms also allows us to not be consumed or possessed by greed and materialism.

These are the things that we are to do to prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus Christ at His Holy Nativity and in our life during this Advent season. Let us all take the time and make the effort to prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ this year by entering into Advent first.

Have a blessed Advent!