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Advent 1 - Monday
By Pat Lee | December 3, 2007
Monday, December 3, 2007
Advent… the new liturgical season has begun. God’s plan to bring all creation to perfection and unity is proclaimed through Advent and culminating in the birth of Jesus. The prophets of Israel saw visions of this many centuries earlier. The prophet Isaiah describes the “days to come” in an optimistic and joyful way as is true of all beginnings.
Isaiah: 2:2-5 In the days to come, the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest mountain and raised above the hills. All nations shall stream toward it. Many peoples shall come and say: “Come, let us climb the Lord’s mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths. O house of Jacob, come let us walk in the light of the Lord!
Observing Advent is not always an easy thing. The Advent wreath tradition can be helpful. The wreath, made of evergreen with five candles, is a symbol of hope at a time of the year when days are short, nights are long and it is cold. In Advent we embark upon a joyous time of year. In the midst of the hustle and bustle–shopping, office parties etc.–as we all dash about, how can we be attentive to the hope and peace promised us by God as we wait to celebrate the birth of Jesus?
We can try to set aside some time each day for prayer, scripture reading etc. in acknowledgement of what the season is truly about for us. We can try to reach out to those who are lonely, bereaved or ill. We can try to offer some help to those who are less fortunate that ourselves. Peace will come as we walk in the light of the Lord.
Prayer: All powerful God, increase our strength of will for doing good that Christ may find an eager welcome at his coming and call us to his side in the kingdom of heaven, where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever.
Topics: Advent |