As the world marks the Advent Season in preparation for celebrating the divine birth of Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, peoples worldwide look forward to Christmas with eyes full of hope for the advent of global peace and mercy in line with the teachings of the Prince of Peace.
This is the period when the faithful plead the Almighty Lord for the attainment of global peace as well as for solving the world's chronic diseases represented in violence, wars, starvation, food shortages, unemployment, poverty, and diseases.
The Holy Bible elucidates who Lord Jesus is by stating, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
Advent is a time to renew one's relationship with Lord Jesus Christ, the beacon of light and mercy. It implies celebrating the arrival of the Lord, the Redeemer. The entire season prepares us to allow Lord Jesus Christ into our hearts, sometimes in ways far different from other times. It is a time to meditate the divine message of salvation whereby the birth of Lord Jesus eliminated darkness and replaced it by nonpareil bright light that took away hate while restoring love. It also replaced crime with mercy and most of all it provides a sincere message that no matter problems the faithful encounter in life, they will all the time be safe as He said that He overcame the world. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Advent reminds us that Lord Jesus Christ came to us in human form to share our experience as humans. The glory of Lord Jesus is furthermore explained in the Biblical verse which states, "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. (Philippians 2:10)
On the first Sunday of Advent, His Holiness Pope Francis called on us to “awaken from our slumber” and to always be aware of the presence of God and to welcome Him in our daily lives.
The Pope said that Advent is the time when we can be “shaken out” of our lethargy and awakened "from our slumber” to be vigilant always. We can ask ourselves if we are alert and vigilant, and if we “recognize God’s presence in daily situations,” saying that if we are unaware of this reality today, we will be unprepared when He arrives at the end of times.
It is important in this regard to pray marking the Advent season saying, "Lord Jesus, as I embrace this Advent Season, please open my eyes to see the great value and blessing of Your Incarnation. Help me to discover Your hidden presence in this world and within my own soul. I desire to see, understand and experience the profound effects that Your Incarnation has on my life and I desire to receive those effects more fully this Advent. May I become a sanctuary in which You dwell so that I, like Your dear Mother, may bring Your presence into the world."
