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Advent is the period of waiting that precedes Christmas. It is a time that is shrouded in darkness yet is represented by light. In fact, four lights are lit, one each Sunday of Advent, signaling the
coming of Christ, for advent is derived from the Latin word adventus. As each candle is lit, we are closer to Christmas, the celebration of the arrival of the Lord. In much the same way that there is a period of preparation and waiting for Lent, Advent is also a period of preparation. Whereas Lent represents the Resurrection of Christ after his death as an adult, Advent represents the coming of the Lord as an infant.
For many, the preparation of Christ as an infant is an action into which people joyously leap. People donate resources of time, money, food, and gifts to others. People light the candles in anticipation, sing carols, share a little extra love with the world, and do indeed, prepare ye the way of the Lord. There is something very attractive about preparing for Christ as an infant. There is an innocence and purity associated with childhood that draws out the best in people. The purity of childhood inspires the goodwill and cheer that is representative of the Advent season.
In our own parish, we are inspired by goodwill throughout the year. However,
it is most keenly experienced through our parish efforts to provide for the
needy during the holiday season. A good deal of the giving is completed by the
second week of Advent. Our parish hosts a food drive from the beginning of fall
to the close of the holiday season. St. Vincent de Paul Parish shares through the Holiday Gift Program each...
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...year. In selecting the names of young people who may not have a gift to open on Christmas morning, purchasing a gift, and returning the gift to the church in time for it to be sorted and issued to the family of the needy child, goodwill is spread beyond the pews of our own parish and into the homes and lives of those who are less fortunate. As the child enjoys the gift throughout the year, the action of donating a gift to a child that is unknown to the giver is representative of an act that symbolizes goodwill.
As the coming of Christ is awaited, we are asked to reconcile ourselves, so that we are pure in spirit prior to the arrival of Jesus, just as Jesus throughout his life. A reconciliation service is held during Advent, which focuses on our preparation for Christ’s coming so that we are indeed ready when He arrives. It is similar in nature to the reconciliation service that is held during Lent. The message of hope, forgiveness, and salvation are key to the service. It offers an opportunity to share something greater with the world than gifts and food; reconciliation offers believers the opportunity to give of themselves unconditionally to Christ so that we can be used as instruments of His peace. As we freely purchase and donate gifts to those we do not know, we are asked to reach within our being and give freely the gifts of love, patience, and forgiveness to those we do know as we await the coming of Christ this Advent season. It is through this giving of the self that the darkness under which the season of Advent falls is lit not only by the candles of the beloved wreath, it is also lit by joy and peace of our giving spirits.
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