During the four-week Advent season that begins the Church year we prepare for the coming of Jesus by remembering his birth (past), anticipating his coming in glory (future) and by celebrating his coming to us in word and sacrament (present). The Church has appointed scriptures for Advent that tell of God’s coming in Christ. The second and third Sundays focus on the coming of Christ today.
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT – A TIME OF BEGINNINGS
Happy New Year! Today, the first day of Advent, we begin our
Christian liturgical year. Of course, our calendar year doesn’t begin until
January 1, a legacy from the ancient Romans. They named January after
the Roman god, Janus, who had two faces that looked in opposite directions-
to the past and to the future.
Many of the scriptures chosen for the Incarnation Season specifically address
one or more of these times references. As we listen carefully, quietly, receptively,
we ask that the Holy Spirit help us balance yesterday, today and tomorrow
in our lives.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Where am I in my thoughts , yesterday, today and tomorrow?
How can this Incarnation Season help me keep yesterday, today
and tomorrow balanced in my life?