By Deacon John Kren
With the beginning of the new church year, Advent recalls for us the Divine story for us from Creation, from the Sin of Adam and Eve, through Noah and Abraham—Exodus and molten calves — of the long line of prophets and prophetesses proclaiming a promise that our Creator would send a Savior. Years of Advents – reminding generations, our Fathers and Mothers that that our Creator is a loyal, faithful, forgiving God. Today and in the next couple of weeks, all the pieces of our Salvation History come together.
The World and Salvation have different messages but strangely similar in appearance. A voice of one crying out in the wilderness, a wilderness of stores, food courts, television and online Black Friday shopping. “You better watch out. He’s making a list — gonna find out who is naughty and nice. So be good for heaven’s sake. The day of reckoning is upon us. The wait will soon be over and I hope you’ll have that perfect gift for everyone in your life. The Father has one for each of us.
You might notice how Santa and John the Baptist have a similar delivery but their message different. One heralding the latest things, possessions, flash, bling, glam, glitter, and network speed. The other says remember a promise of long ago, a promise of forgiveness, redemption and salvation. A promise of love for you. I will never forget you. I will always be there – the perfect gift.
Getting ready for Christmas should have us on edge. Advent is a period asking us to do something in these days to make ourselves better, to understand the season better. Realize that the season is to welcome the Christ. The Christ that will become like us, fully human yet fully divine –Incarnate — and ultimately will go to the cross and in His humanity die for us, a perfect sacrifice, for our salvation and in His divinity, He will become our judge.
Advent is a time of Watching, Waiting, and preparation. Realize the “time of fulfilment” of God’s promise is at hand we are only waiting for the ‘hour of salvation.’