J.M.J.
The Church’s
extraordinary wisdom is illustrated in numerous ways, one being the very existence
of Advent. We are granted several weeks to make ready for the Solemnity of the
Birth of Christ.
Such a period of prayerful preparation if sincerely “entered
into” ensures that December 25th will not be just another day but instead a
joyful, authentic commemoration of the first coming of Jesus over 2,000 years
ago.
Mothers could tell us much about preparation. They are well
aware of how to make ready for the birth of a child. The period of pregnancy
helps mothers—and fathers—to adjust and anticipate the arrival of their son or
daughter.
The Blessed Virgin Mary experienced the first Advent. She knew,
thanks to the Archangel Gabriel, that the holy Child within her was “the Son of
the Most High.” She intensely waited the appearance to the world of the One
nestled in her chaste womb.
The long anticipation of the people of Israel rested with Mary.
The Chosen People had spent centuries preparing their hearts for
the Messiah. Now, this unique woman, during her Advent of nine months,
shouldered the hopes of Zion.
Our Lady’s pining for the Birth of the Savior is the pattern for
us. Jesus Christ wants to be with us in our joys and sorrows. Therefore, to
benefit from the annual celebration of Christmas, we commit ourselves to an
Advent lived in the spirit of Mary. Here are some tried-and true Advent “exercises”
to help us prepare for Christmas.
Prayer. Advent
calls forth our prayer by reminding us that Jesus, Who came to redeem us from
Original Sin, desires that we pray because He knows how our relationship with
Him, His Father and Their Holy Spirit needs to be nourished. He taught His
Apostles to pray. He teaches us to do the same.
+++Spend extra time in
personal prayer, read Chapters 1-2 from the Holy Gospels according to Saints
Matthew and Luke, go to Confession during Advent, receive the Most Holy
Eucharist more often and more devoutly.
Self-denial. We
are to be fortified in order to welcome Jesus again at Christmas. How pleased
He will be if we show Him that we have cooperated with the Holy Spirit, thereby
being genuinely converted to the principles of His Holy Gospel. Self-denial
effects our detachment from the things of the world.
+++Deny yourself some
legitimate pleasure, mortify your anger, stem your curiosity.
Service. The
Birth of Jesus was about obeying His Father and serving us. Christ undertook
His mission as the Suffering Servant Who selflessly laid down His life in
adoration of His Father and in service of His brothers and sisters.
+++Visit an elderly
person in a retirement home, extend kindness to a pregnant woman, offer some
alms to a soup kitchen.
Holy Mary did not merely wait for the Birth of Jesus. Rather, she
actively prepared for His coming. The spiritual fruits we enjoy this Christmas
will be in direct proportion to how we, endowed with divine grace, prepare
during this Advent to love and follow Jesus Christ our Lord.
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