For What It's Worth by Erin

“Be watchful! Be alert!” So says Jesus. Remember, Advent does two things, in this order: points to the second coming of Jesus at the end of time, and the first coming in the Incarnation on Christmas.
 
I tend to concentrate on the second instead of the first. The anticipation of Christmas, the beauty of “Emmanuel, God is with us” and the anticipatory joy contained in waiting for Christmas. But it goes quickly, and I often feel like I have missed something. Let’s go back to Jesus’ warning in Mark’s gospel, adding two more words: BE READY!
 
It is 2020 after all. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s been a reminder to take nothing for granted. And in an odd and grace-filled way, isn’t that a God given gift? Normally filled with busyness and distraction, we suddenly have time to prayerfully WAIT, to prepare for Jesus in a way that we often don’t have the time or inclination to even try to take on.
 
How about an Advent of “mores,” things that there never seems to be enough of when Christmas suddenly appears. You can help me to name them: time, meaning, prayerfulness, generosity, charity, benevolence, and anything else we weren’t able to fit in. Imagine the extravagance of an Advent “well waited.” It might be the first time that Jesus actually finds us ready!
 
As today’s opening prayer asks of God: “Grant your faithful (that’s you and me) , the resolve to run forth to meet your Christ, with righteous deeds at His coming.” Finally, there may be time to do that.

Find us ready, Lord! Amen! +