Wake Up! Be ready, my soul.

In the first Advent gospel reading taken from Mark 13, Jesus cautions us to always be alert and ready. We do not know the day or the hour of his return, and so it is prudent to be watchful and prepared.

Advent is a season of opportunity in which we open our hearts and wait with undaunted hope, assured that our God is near.

As I was reminded in a recent homily, Jesus is a king unlike any other king in the history of humankind. His unearthly kingship is a radiant light that shines for all who live in the darkness of this world. His goodness is symbolized in the candles of Advent.

He is our God of HOPE who invites us to share in his glory, to live in his everlasting kingdom.

He is our God of PEACE who meets us in our sinfulness, unworthiness, and suffering with forgiveness, mercy, and compassion.

He is our God of JOY who offers us fullness of life and prosperity beyond our human understanding.

He is our God of LOVE who came to earth in human form for our salvation, inviting us to share in his everlasting glory, to live in his kingdom.

In response to God’s invitation this Advent, we begin by lifting our praise and gratitude to God, we stay close to him in prayer and listen to his words in scripture, and we seek his will so that we can follow in his way.

Count your blessings and be ready this Advent season.

Our God is near.

Songs of the Advent prayers are available on the Advent page.