This season which started over a week ago is such a blessed time. It's a shame that with the passing of the years, it seems to be reduced to only Sunday celebrations in our churches, and less and less a time to prepare joyfully for the coming of our Lord in our personal lives, as well as the community.
If we look at the lives of biblical figures, they all lived in great expectation for the Messiah. Their lives were greatly affected by the desire to experience the coming of the King. He who would bring salvation to all. No more would they be a people awaiting the promise, but of the promise fulfilled. Awesome!
When we hear these days the readings from Isaiah, and other prophets, when we touch upon the persons of Mary, Joseph, John the Baptist and others, we see people who were deeply connected with their belief. Faith was something that was felt and it oozed from their pores, made them tick, and pumped their hearts.
When each one encountered God there lives were changed forever. They were able to respond to God, to their personal calling, because they were a faith filled people. Before their own insecurities, doubts, and faults, was the invitation from the God of their ancestors, and now present in their lives. They were alive, truly alive. That great anticipation moved them, nourished them and helped them do all they could to carry out what they had been entrusted with true love and faith.
When we await for someones' coming, someone whom we love, enjoy and whose presence we desire, our lives change. We do all we can to prepare: clean our homes, make plans, buy gifts; but it's in the deepest part of our being where we do the most prep. It's in our own being where the connection happens, and it's from there that we're motivated to do what can do.
When we start decorating our homes, buying presents and sending cards (emails, tweets, facebook updates, etc), let's remember the why of this season If we want to communicate life, love, and the greatness of being in God, let's stay connected to the source of life. Let's pray, celebrate, meditate, do what we have to do, but let's do it. It's all emptiness when we there is no renewal, but if there's renewal then we're able to truly communicate what this is all about.
Our Advent, is truly an Adventure. As we prepare for His coming, let's truly be open to it, because it will truly exceed our expectations and take us on a journey where we never thought we would be.
