Jesus said to his disciples:
"Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man."
I think this is a great Gospel message that reminds us that during this time of Advent we should be focusing on the real reason of Christmas. Tomorrow is the first day of Advent, which is a time of preparing for Christmas, the birth of Jesus. The word “advent” literally means “coming” which is one of the ideas made in this gospel passage. Jesus is telling us that we should prepare for his coming and not let it take us by surprise. This time of Advent will allow us to do that and will help us prepare for Jesus’ birth
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During the Christmas holiday there are many distractors that bring us away from the true meaning of Christmas. This is the season that we are supposed to prepare for Jesus’ coming by being prayerful, serving others and being thankful for all that we have been blessed with.
I know that at my house we are busy finishing up with the school semester, preparing for family to come in or getting the Christmas shopping done. The little things that should not matter distract me and I let them stress me out. This passage helps remind me to slow down and remember the real reason for Christmas. I should prepare for Jesus’ birth and that this is a time of giving, not gifts, but love and service.
I pray that we all are able to remember the real meaning of Christmas and that we can use this time of Advent to prepare our hearts to love and serve others in a way that is pleasing to God.
