Posted on noviembre 27, 2024 View all Gospel Reflection
Happy New Year
As we begin the season of Advent, the Church begins a new liturgical year. So “Happy New Year!”
As many of us do on January first, we should look at making some resolutions for our spiritual life. It is especially fitting to do so in the season of Advent. Advent is the season of preparation and expectation for the arrival of the Christ-child on Christmas Day. In salvation history, the Jewish people had long been awaiting the arrival of the Messiah. In fact, that is what they were chosen for and set apart by God Himself. The people of Israel were a covenant people which originated in that covenant that God made with Abraham. In fact the Messianic promise goes back all the way to Genesis where God said “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” (Gen. 3:15)
Later prophecies would also highlight the coming of the Messiah: “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:5) and later in Micah “But you, Bethelem-Ephrathah least among the clans of Judah, From you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel … He shall take his place as shepherd by the strength by the strength of the Lord, … his greatness shall reach to the ends of the earth: he shall be peace.” (Micah 5:1-4)
We hear these words, especially remembered on Christmas Day. But now in the season of Advent we are remembering those many years of anticipation of the arrival of the Messiah. So as we prepare to celebrate the arrival of the Messiah on Christmas Day, how are we preparing our hearts? Jesus does not need a big house, or many material gifts or even big holiday parties. He wants to come dwell in our hearts. We are reminded of how the Holy Family when they travelled to Bethlehem were not able to find a place to dwell. (John 2:7)
It is easy in this season of Advent before Christmas to allow ourselves to get caught up with all the preparations for friends and family, the buying of presents, the decorating, etc. But we cannot allow these things to displace the priority of our preparations to receive Jesus in our hearts. Let us not be like all those in Bethlehem who did not find it in their hearts to receive Mary and the yet unborn Jesus Christ. Rather, let us look for what we can do to prepare ourselves worthily. Let us resolve to begin this new liturgical year on the right foot. Some suggestions can include praying together as a family. Having the Advent wreath in our homes and praying especially during meals, or making a short visit to the church or to the chapel during Adoration. These types of things allow us to make space in our hearts for the true reason of the season: Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Messiah.
