This article was originally published on Fri, 08 Dec 2023. 

Advent has begun. The wreath has been blessed. The First candle has been lit. We started singing “Angels and prophets among us.” But what do these all mean? I invite us all to pay close attention to the season. Listen to the scripture readings. Look at the symbols - the excitement, the joyful and hopeful anticipation, and the waiting. Advent is a beautiful season that is often overlooked because of the busyness of the season. The scripture readings focus on how to be like the ancient Israelites who were excited and always awaiting the coming of the Messiah. We will notice that the first two weeks of Advent are reminders of the end time. They are not meant to scare us, but to keep us alert. We do not know when He will arrive. The beauty of Advent reminds us that Christ has come and continues to come to us daily in a new way. That is exciting. Not only is the season filled with excitement, but the Old Testament readings for Advent are full of hope. These readings remind us of the people who were in exile for many years. They were disheartened and exhausted. They thought God had forgotten them. Yet here comes Isaiah prophesying to not be dismayed. In the words of the First Reading this weekend, God through the prophet says, “Comfort, give comfort to my people. Fear not to cry out and say, Here is your God! Here comes with power the Lord God. Like a shepherd he feeds His flock; in His arms He gathers the lambs, carrying them in His bosom, and leading the ewes with care.”  I believe these words from Isaiah come to us at an opportune time. This is a message of hope for all who live in a world that has grown so serious. We are like the Israelites in the Book of Isaiah, who long for light, peace, and hope. The Advent prophets tell us of a God who comes to save us. The One who dreams of peace and unity. The One who heals and makes us whole. The One who made a promise that His Son is named Emmanuel – God with us! As I said in my homily last weekend, perhaps all we need to do to prepare for Christ’s coming is to embrace the stillness and gentleness of this Advent season. To enter the quiet and pray. Let God speak to you. Let God embrace you and fill the deepest longings of your heart.