December 1, 2019
by Amy Hoover
Creighton University Retreat Center
click here for photo and information about the writer

First Sunday of Advent
Lectionary: 1

Isaiah 2:1-5
Psalms 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
Romans 13:11-14
Matthew 24:37-44

Praying Advent Home Page

Beginning Advent

Pope Francis on this day in 2016
Pope Francis on this day in 2017
Pope Francis on this day in 2018

Preparing Children for Advent

As I reflect on today’s readings, I hear an invitation to be awake, to embrace the Light that comes after the darkness of night.  I hear the invitation to recognize the dawn of a new day, the resurrection after death.  I hear many, many questions for reflection.

Today, on this first Sunday of Advent, we celebrate a new day, new season, a new liturgical year.  As with all things new, it is a good time to look back and reflect on the year past, the joys and the struggles.  The readings today call us to maybe consider how we have awakened this past year.  How have we seen the Lord in a new way?  How have we grown in our relationship with Jesus, the Christ?  New days, seasons and years also invite to look ahead.  So we can ask, How are we being invited to wake again, or maybe for the first time?  What is old, tired, dark that needs the Spark of Christ to make it new?

Lastly, there is a reminder to stay awake in the night, the times of darkness.  How do we do that?  I started to write about the discipline of prayer and practice of meditation.  I was thinking about how strength of relationship with God would help.  Then I stopped.  I recognized that I was falling into the trap of thinking that I can do it.  I can stay awake in the darkness.  Now, I am not saying that prayer, meditation and relationship with God are not important but I was quickly reminded that the invitation is to remember that Christ is always and everywhere present.  To lean into, rely on and trust in that presence.  Christ is the Light in the midst of darkness, if we can only choose to open our eyes, turn our face, choose the perspective that shows us that, Christ will keep us awake. 

Christ Be Our Light!

Click on the link below to send an e-mail response
to the writer of this reflection.
amyhoover@creighton.edu

Sharing this reflection with others by Email, on Facebook or Twitter:

Email this pageFacebookTwitter

Print Friendly

See all the Resources we offer on our Online Ministries Home Page

Daily Reflection Home

Collaborative Ministry Office Guestbook