Advent Reflection
By Fr. John Kohler
“Watch at all times,” Jesus tells us at the beginning of Advent (Luke 21, 36). We are alert, and on watch, as we prepare for the coming of Jesus at Christmas, but also at the end of time. Jesus comes to bring Good News, but we need to be alert to receive it.
Those who are alert in our cities are the firefighters and ambulance drivers and paramedics. While firefighters wait, they are active and alert. There is a full-day schedule of cleaning the fire trucks and the fire hall, ongoing education, cooking, and even cleaning the chief’s car. In the midst of all that activity, firefighters receive up to 14 calls per day. They are not simply busy, but focused and alert to change gears and serve where and when they are needed.
We too need to be alert as we prepare for the coming of Christ. We are not simply to be busy, but always focused on the Lord and on where he needs us to serve. Like the firefighter, we need a program of the day, including times of prayer to help us focus on Jesus and serving in his kingdom. Let’s make this Advent a time filled with meaning and purpose, on the alert for the coming of our new born King.
Those who are alert in our cities are the firefighters and ambulance drivers and paramedics. While firefighters wait, they are active and alert. There is a full-day schedule of cleaning the fire trucks and the fire hall, ongoing education, cooking, and even cleaning the chief’s car. In the midst of all that activity, firefighters receive up to 14 calls per day. They are not simply busy, but focused and alert to change gears and serve where and when they are needed.
We too need to be alert as we prepare for the coming of Christ. We are not simply to be busy, but always focused on the Lord and on where he needs us to serve. Like the firefighter, we need a program of the day, including times of prayer to help us focus on Jesus and serving in his kingdom. Let’s make this Advent a time filled with meaning and purpose, on the alert for the coming of our new born King.