Gospel Lk 21:25-28, 34-36
Jesus said to his disciples: “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves.
People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.
“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth.
Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”
REFLECTION:
"When these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand."
Advent is finally here. The countdown for Christmas has officially begun!
What are our plans? Are we peacefully planning this Christmas season? Or are we going to be swamped with all kinds of activities, shopping, and preparations for Christmas?
Are we making sure everybody in our list gets a Christmas present? What about Jesus? Does the birthday person get a birthday present from us?
If you've ever been to Christmas vigil mass, the church might do what is called the “Proclamation of the Birth of Christ.”
Other details you might notice is that the Glory was not sung during Advent, and now we will all sing it with most emphasis and cheer. And we will feel how the shepherds felt the evening Jesus came into the world, listening to the Angels proclaim this song (Lk 2:1-14).
When Jesus comes again, will He find us ready and cheerful to encounter Him? For me, is Christmas the time to run around trying make things perfect? Or am I preparing to perfectly receive the fragile baby that is actually the King of the Universe?
Let's spend time with Our Eucharistic Lord to prepare our souls to welcome Him this Christmas. He is coming! Let's welcome Him into our hearts, our families, homes, and communities!
God bless y'all!
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