Signs of Advent

Advent is here. Even with the hoopla surrounding Thanksgiving and the shopping sprees that evening and continuing even now, Advent might still seem like a surprise, "What already?" and we might not be ready for it.  Perhaps it's best not to fret over it, for we do not need more anxiety or stress, but we do need peace, and that's what these weeks are for.  Yes, they are countercultural, opposed to the hype and frenzy the media feeds us. We need to take time to look ahead and at the WHY of our existence, and, yes, the WHY of all this preparation.  We are preparing our hearts and our world for the COMING of Jesus, as a child and at his second coming at the end of time.  Our Gospel today speaks of the signs of those times, "in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves...the powers of the heaven will be shaken."  (Lk 21: 21-23).  St. Paul outlines what might be the signs of our preparation for Christmas, a plan for our Advent observances:  We urge you brothers, admonish the idle, cheer the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient with all.  See that no one returns evil for evil, rather, always seek what is good [both] for each other and for all.  Rejoice always, Pray without ceasing."  (1Thess 5:14-17)  Let us pick something that we can do consistently that, without adding pressure, we bring peace to us and to others, and allow Jesus to find a warm place of welcome in our hearts at Christmas.  Go Advent!
Bro. Rene