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Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year.  The word “advent” means arrival. It is a time of growth and possibility.  St. John Henry Newman, recently named the latest Doctor of the Church, described the beginning of Advent in this way, “The year is worn out.” Many of us may feel the same as winter awaits

However, with every ending there is a new beginning.  As the leaves fall from the trees, they become compost for new ground later.  Advent is a time to cultivate the soil so there is spiritual growth and possibility as we prepare for the historical birth of Christ in our hearts and minds and contemplate the Second Coming of Christ. In today’s Psalm 122(8) we hear the words,” Peace be within you.”

Advent is also an opportunity to go deeper.  The dark of the night, stillness, and silent pause of nature gives us the chance to renew and refresh.  It is a time of relief, of letting go, of noticing what to hold onto, and what we don’t want to invest our energy in.  What do you need to clear in your life and heart for Christ to enter more fully and completely?

As Catholics we are constantly called to conversion and the Church gives us the liturgical seasons to help us. In the Gospel today, Christ reminds us to “Stay awake!” Matthew 24:42. Jesus tells us we do not know when the Son of Man will return. We must prepare our hearts and souls. During Advent we prepare for two comings: Christ’s first coming as a baby and Christ final coming in glory.

There are four weeks of Advent, and they allude to the 4,000 years that were eternally attributed to the interval between the fall of Adam and the birth of Jesus. During the four weeks of Advent a candle is lit for each week.  Today the first candle of Advent is the Prophecy candle.  This symbolizes hope.  We look back at Christ’s first arrival and anticipate His return.

Hope is defined in the Catechism as “the theological virtue by which we desire and expect both eternal life and the grace we need to attain it.”  The other three candles are peace, joy and love.  We prepare not just for a past event, but for a future one. Advent gives us that opportunity to find peace within our own souls.  This Advent ask yourself, “Do I have hope?  Do I believe in the promises of eternal life?  Do I believe God’s grace will help me grow spiritually and reach eternity with Him?”

It is easy to become distracted during this time of year.  We are often overstimulated and at times feel overwhelmed.  So much to do, but what is the most important thing we must do for our souls?  The time you spend with Jesus in prayer and prepare your heart receiving His grace and love is the most important thing.  As Servant of God, Dorothy Day said, “The older I get, the more I meet people, the more convinced I am that we must only work on ourselves to grow in grace.  The only thing we can do about people is to love them.”  To love others as they should be loved during this season and always — one needs God’s grace. In the dark of the night, let us cultivate our soul and as the Prophet Isaiah tells us in the first reading, “Let us, walk in the light of Christ.” As we begin again.