Advent is not yet Christmas! Advent means coming. It is a period of preparation for the coming of Jesus. We are called upon by the Church to do two things: 1) to look back at the first coming of our Lord Jesus when he was born in Bethlehem, and 2) to look forward at the second coming of Jesus. We do this at the present as we discover the many ways our Lord comes to us in our daily lives.

It is sad to observe that Christmas has been so commercialized that the reason for the season is somehow lost in the preoccupation to put up the Christmas tree, lights and decorations as well as to buy Christmas gifts. If we want to have a meaningful celebration of Christmas, let us not give in to the commercialization of this season.

The season of Advent lasts for four weeks to prepare for a meaningful celebration of Christmas. How can I make this Advent meaningful?

As I ponder on the first reading from the Book of Jeremiah, I imagine how beautiful it is that the coming of the Lord will be accompanied by a time of peace and justice. The world where our Lord was born into is now full of terror and violence, I am inspired by people who commit themselves to work together for peace and justice in our world. I also give thanks to God for redirecting the focus and mission of our Congregation to work for peace and justice in the world as we face the big problem of human trafficking around the world. I am sharing this perspective as I am coming from the first day conference of the freedom forum Asia 2024 organized by PIMAHT (Philippine Interfaith Movement Against Human Trafficking), a faith–based organization compossed of churches and civil society collaborating against forms of human trafficking. Knowing the political situation in my country and the events that are happening in our world today, I look forward to the coming once again of the Messiah. The psalm, the second reading and the gospel invite me and everyone who believe in our God-made-flesh to trust in His power and to be vigilant on what is going on around us.

During this advent season, I look back at the past and thank God for fulfilling His promise to send us our Saviour Jesus Christ, and I prepare for the Lord’s second coming by immersing myself in the present praying and working for peace and justice. This is also to anticipate the end of our ongoing general chapter agreement to continue to bring hope in our broken and wounded world.

“Maranatha“ – Come, Lord Jesus, do not delay. This is my constant prayer this Advent season.

Claire Marie R. Sy, CMT
Manila, Philippines