Luke 21:25-36
25 “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26 People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
29 Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30 as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
34 “Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, 35 like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
"I long for your salvation, Lord!" Psalm 119:174
Advent Season starts this Sunday. Advent invites us to reflect, repent, prepare and repair ourselves to welcome not only the historical event, but much more the Divine Son of God as the Son of Man.
We prepare advent wreaths with four candles, lighting one each Sunday before proclaiming the Gospel as the source of light and life, preparing for the Birth of Jesus Christ "who proceeds from the Father as light from light.”
Eastern Churches see these four candles as symbols of:
Faith; The expectation of something to happen; Getting ready with repentance; and a Welcome with joy and inner peace.
Sign of faith - We start the Advent season with St. Peter's proclamation of faith, “You are Christ, the Son of the Living God!" (Matthew 16:16). This is the very foundation of our Christian identity.
Sign of Expectation - "The Kingdom of God is near" (Luke 21:31). St. Paul describes the event to the Church of Rome saying "We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time” Romans 8:22.
A call to get ready through repentance - “Be on guard” (Luke 21:34) confirming the call of John the Baptist, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near" (Matthew 3:1-2). Repentance goes beyond just reflecting about, regretting or feeling sorry because of a wrong deed. It has to correct one's mind, intentions and way of life.
Welcome the Incarnated Son of God born in Bethlehem, being fully aware of God's mysteries of faith, hope and love as we join the choir of angels singing "Glory to God in the highest. Peace on earth and good hope for humankind!" (using the Syriac Peshitta text).
Christian families light their candles at home after the Sunday service as a sign that their house is a nucleus/core church belonging to the universal one.
May Advent remind us that we are living between the first and the second coming of Christ the Lord. May our Advent prepare us to welcome Christmas not only with beautiful decorations, but with a spirit of the real faithful who joyfully sing "O come, O Come Emmanuel” and "O come All Ye Faithful!"
May we remember Bethlehem today, praying for its population to enjoy Freedom, Justice and Peace!
Let us be ready to welcome the one who "stands at the door and knocks. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with the person, and they with me” Revelation 3:20. Alpha and Omega, Christ the Lord, keep knocking at our door. Blessed Advent Season!