Community Word:
The coming of Christ brings joy to the people of God.
Order:
“Stay awake…be prepared.”(Mt 24: 42a, 44a)
Reflection:
Advent means “coming” or “arrival.” We thank God for revealing to us His many “comings” into our lives. Christmas lights can be taken as symbols or indications of what we are waiting for. We are waiting for the Light of Christ who dispels the darkness of life and heals the hopelessness we experience in our earthly journey. During the season of Advent, let us hold on to our faith with joy so that we can truly hear God’s message. Let is ponder and reflect upon our Community Word for December: The coming of Christ brings joy to the people of God and faithfully carry out the Order: “Stay awake….be prepared” (Mt 24:42a, 44b).
The theme for the 1st Sunday of Advent is: We rejoice in the coming of Christ when we await Him in faithful anticipation. In the gospel, Jesus talks about the people during the time of Noah, how pre-occupied they were with their daily lives and merriment, and hardly thought about God or their future. Just like Noah, let us take the road of obedience in the face of detractors and doubts. This is the time to rid ourselves of our old crooked ways and embrace the newness of conversion in Christ. God’s steadfast love is waiting to embrace us and lead us to the paths of truth. Our security is in putting our complete trust in God. Towards a meaningful Advent in faithful anticipation and with nurturing hope, we must be always watchful, vigilant and prepared for the coming of Christ. Thus, we will merit the promise this week: “…those who love you prospers.” (Ps 122: 6a)
We rejoice in the coming of Christ when we produce good fruits through repentance is the theme for the 2nd Sunday of Advent. John the Baptist preaches that the key to newness is repentance and conversion, to reform our lives and prepare for the coming of the Lord. Allow change to happen within us, in our attitude and character, and be better persons and better Christians. God has a beautiful plan for all, but we need to receive these gifts with a renewed mind and heart. The gospel urges us to bear good fruit, not as who we are but in what we do. Let us manifest God by our actions that we are striving to improve ourselves and become more God-like and loving. Let us give a spontaneous response to God’s call to participate in His divine life and in doing so, we will be assured of His promise this week: “Justice shall flower in his days.” (Ps 72:7)
The theme for the 3rd Sunday of Advent is: We rejoice in the coming of Christ when we recognize the Messiah in His word and works. St. Joseph acts upon God’s word through the angel Gabriel with urgency and decisiveness. He sees himself not as a mere spectator gazing upon a divine mystery, but as a steward, as a servant. Let us face life’s mysteries like Joseph did – discerningly, trustingly, bravely and obediently. Jesus showed His messianic work of healing and preaching. Let us open our hearts to Jesus, acting with faith, enduring with hope, and doing all with love and compassion. This is the Lord’s promise for the week: “The Lord shall reign forever…. through all generation.” (Ps 146:10)
The theme for the 4th Sunday of Advent is: We rejoice in the coming of Christ when we obey and trust in God’s will. Jesus came to share His love for all mankind. He did not just visit with us, but actually lived among us as a man, offering His life and His friendship. The Light of the Lord can shine out and be reflected to others when we lead upright and virtuous lives, obeying and trusting God’s will. We received the power of Jesus in our lives because He is the source of strength, faith and our redemption. The power of Christ’s coming is found when there is conversion of hearts and transformation of lives. Like Joseph, each of us has a mission from God. Let us place our complete trust and obedience in God as we do our utmost in carrying out His mission. And we shall be blessed with this promise: “He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, a reward from God his savior.” (Ps 24:5)
Finally, the theme for the Nativity of the Lord is: We rejoice in the coming of Christ when we experience the fullness of His grace and truth. God speaks to us and invites us with a sense of wonder and awe, conveying to us His unconditional love, mercy and forgiveness. Undeserving and unmerited we are, God gave us a pure gift which we can only receive with humility and gratitude. God loves us so much that He gave us His only Son. And, oh, how loving this Son is! Jesus loves us so much, giving His whole life for us, even going so far as to die on the cross for our sake. And because of His salvific action, we stand again as heirs to His Kingdom to experience the fullness of His grace and truth. As we celebrate His nativity, let us allow His light to shine through us so that others will also receive His redemption. For His promise this week is: “I will be a father to him and he shall be a son to me.” (Heb 1:5b)
Prayer:
Gracious God, grant us wisdom to realize the importance of living a righteous life, so that when we meet You face to face we will do so with courage and confidence. May we become more fully aware of Your holy and divine love. We pray for the grace to live the advent message and to share it with others through our words and deeds. Amen.
Reflection:
1.What commitment or action shall I make to grow closer to the Lord especially during this Advent season?
2.What prevents me from readily responding to God’s call? How do I overcome these obstacles?
reflection december 2016 final
