Tuesday of the First Week of Advent
Today’s Gospel: Luke 10:21-24 (see the READINGS button in the app)
We have just begun our new liturgical year in the season of Advent. Advent has a twofold preparation. We are preparing for the Solemnities of Christmas which remember the first coming of Christ. We also are preparing our hearts as we look forward to the second coming of Christ.
During this season there likely is much going on in your lives with much preparation as we look forward to Christmas. It is important to take time during this season to prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ. Every parish has different opportunities to prepare for the coming of Christ. I encourage you to take part in these events as you reflect on how you want to prepare for Christmas. It can be very easy to get caught up in the preparation for Christmas. I encourage you to take some time with your family to share the importance that Christ means to you in this holy season.
In the readings today we are reminded of the necessity of always drawing towards what is most important; to be childlike. So many things are likely happening in your life these days and yet we have one focus and that is Christ. Look to a child in this time and what will they be anticipating? They will be looking towards Christmas which seems so far away to them. But as adults we know that it will be here sooner than we think. So let us prepare well and look towards the coming of Christ.
So, as we journey into this Christmas season for this most sacred day when Christ was born in Bethlehem, let us take time to welcome Him in our daily preparation. Here is a prayer that is traditionally prayed in preparation for Christmas.
Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayers and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Savior Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed Mother. Amen.
Copyright Fr. James VanderLaan
Fr. James is currently serving as Parochial Vicar (Associate Pastor) of Parish of the Holy Spirit in Grand Rapids, MI.