Advent is a time of waiting, but not a passive or idle waiting. It is a waiting that involves active preparation, anticipation, and hope. Advent is a time to reflect on the past, present, and future of God’s saving plan for humanity. Advent is a time to open our hearts to the coming of Christ, who is Emmanuel, God with us.
The word “advent” means “coming” or “arrival”. The season of Advent has two aspects: it prepares us for the celebration of the first coming of Christ at Christmas, and it reminds us of the second coming of Christ at the end of time. The readings of Advent help us to connect these two aspects of Christ’s coming and to live in the tension between them.
The first Sunday of Advent focuses on the second coming of Christ, also known as the Parousia. The gospel reading from Mark 13:33-37 warns us to be watchful and alert, for we do not know when the Lord will come. The first reading from Isaiah 63:16-64:7 expresses the longing of the people of Israel for God to intervene in their history and to manifest his power and glory. The psalm from Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19 echoes this longing and asks God to restore and save his people. The second reading from 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 assures us that God is faithful and will keep us firm until the end.
The second Sunday of Advent focuses on the role of John the Baptist as the precursor and herald of Christ. The gospel reading from Mark 1:1-8 introduces John as the one who fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 40:3-5, preparing the way of the Lord in the wilderness. John preaches a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins and announces the coming of one who is more powerful than him, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. The first reading from Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 proclaims a message of comfort and hope to the exiled people of Israel, promising that God will come with power and tenderness to shepherd his flock. The psalm from Psalm 85:9-14 celebrates the nearness of God’s salvation and the harmony of his justice and peace. The second reading from 2 Peter 3:8-14 exhorts us to live in holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God.
The third Sunday of Advent is also known as Gaudete Sunday, which means “rejoice”. The liturgical color changes from purple to rose, indicating a shift from penitence to joy. The gospel reading from John 1:6-8, 19-28 presents John the Baptist as a witness to the light, who testifies that he is not the Messiah, but the one sent to prepare his way. John points to the one who is among them, but whom they do not recognize. The first reading from Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11 announces the good news of God’s liberation and restoration for the poor, the oppressed, the brokenhearted, and the captives. The psalm from Luke 1:46-54 is the Magnificat, Mary’s song of praise and gratitude for God’s mercy and justice. The second reading from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 encourages us to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God for us in Christ Jesus.
The fourth Sunday of Advent focuses on the role of Mary as the mother of Christ. The gospel reading from Luke 1:26-38 narrates the annunciation, the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary, announcing that she will conceive and bear a son, who will be called Son of the Most High. Mary responds with faith and obedience, saying, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” The first reading from 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16 tells the story of God’s promise to David, that he will establish his dynasty and his kingdom forever. The psalm from Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29 affirms God’s faithfulness and love for David and his descendants. The second reading from Romans 16:25-27 praises God for revealing the mystery of the gospel, which was kept secret for long ages, but now is made known to all nations through the prophetic writings and the preaching of Jesus Christ.
Advent is a season of waiting, but also a season of hope. Hope is not wishful thinking, but a confident expectation of God’s promises. Hope is not passive, but active. Hope is not individual, but communal. Hope is not static, but dynamic. Hope is not blind, but visionary. Hope is not cheap, but costly. Hope is not easy, but challenging. Hope is not an escape, but an engagement. Hope is not a luxury, but a necessity.
As we wait for the coming of Christ, let us wait with hope, and let our hope be expressed in prayer, repentance, joy, and service. Let us wait with wonder, and let our wonder be inspired by the word of God, the witness of the saints, and the work of the Spirit. Let us wait with love, and let our love be shown in compassion, solidarity, and generosity. Let us wait with faith, and let our faith be rooted in Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Amen.
