Advent has begun. It is, in fact, the continuation of Thanksgiving which brings a year to an end and begins another year with the preparation for the next arrival of Jesus. It gives a fresh hope of God being being with us. Humanity is losing hope in life and in existence. It needs a fresh hope in being with “Emmanuel”.
Advent is a beginning of hope
Another Advent has begun in the Christian calendar. The liturgical calendar of Christianity begins a new year with the season of Advent. It is the preparation towards the expectation of the arrival of Jesus Christ. It commemorates not only the birth of Jesus but also it prepares humanity to meet him at his second coming. Yes, Christmas is not a mere celebration of a historical event of the birth of Christ. The central truth of this season and celebration of Christmas is about God’s great love towards humanity, redeeming man from the bonds of sin. Advent is a season reminding God’s great love and filling every heart with hope.
Advent is continuation of Thanksgiving
The season of Advent is the continuation of the Thanksgiving Day which precedes before it. It is thanking God for His great love in sending His Son to redeem man; it is thanking in deeds of charity and preparing for the festival of Christmas; and it is recognizing God’s love in every one’s life in looking forward to the day when Jesus will come again in glory.
Advent is the season of change and hope
Advent calls for a changed life. It starts with the message, “Repent and prepare yourself for a changed life”. It is a call from the messenger for a change in life, to be hopeful and joyful. It calls everyone to listen to the “voice from the desert”. “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight’. John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” (Mark1:3-4)
Advent a season to build up hope
The Advent is an opportunity to rebuild our hopes with joy that we are all made for an eternal life of happiness which we are supposed to begin on this earth itself through our life of love. It is a season to fix our eyes on the manger that held the Divine Babe, sharing the presence of God among humans. It is the fulfillment of the word “Emmanuel” filling everyone with hope.
Advent is the season of joy
The Advent is the season of joy because everyone who expected and met Christ was filled with joy. Christmas is the feast of joy in sharing love. God shared His love with humanity by sharing Jesus with humans. All those who were connected with Jesus and came forward to share their lives with others were filled with that joy.
May this Advent bring every one the joy of sharing. Mere shows in outward decorations cannot bring this sharing and joy. Those activities cannot fill us with hope and joy since they do not share the love of Jesus Christ. Mere formalities without any change in the attitude of love will be only a Christmas without Christ. It will be only a mere show of cheating oneself. How can a Christmas without Christ bring hope and joy?
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