Sunday, December 2: First Sunday of Advent

Happy Advent!!

Read It:

Jesus said to his disciples:
"There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars,
and on earth nations will be in dismay,
perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves.
People will die of fright
in anticipation of what is coming upon the world,
for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
And then they will see the Son of Man
coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
But when these signs begin to happen,
stand erect and raise your heads
because your redemption is at hand.

"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."

Reflect on It:

In this first Gospel reading of Advent, we see that we have to take care that our hearts do not become drowsy with things of this world. As we enter into Advent, the things of the world can continue to suck us in. It's hard with Christmas being right around the corner to not be sucked into all of the craziness that comes with the time of year. This Advent, be sober and alert. I know that sometimes, we really think that the second coming of our Savior won't happen for a long time, but what if it did? What if he came back tomorrow? Does your life show that you are ready? This advent, as we prepare for the tiny baby that would come to change our lives and our heart, let's prepare the way of the Lord.

Pray About It: Sweet Jesus, prepare my heart for your coming. I want this Advent to be different from all the others. Help me to be ready for your coming. Let my heart be different this year. I ask this in your name. Amen!

Live It! Challenge: As we prepare for the coming of Christ at Advent, come up with a list of 3 things you can do that will help your heart stay awake and be ready for him in just a few weeks.