Today is the first day of Advent. “Advent” refers to the arrival of a noble person or thing. Like all such arrivals, we are given a buffer period to prepare ourselves for the coming of our Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ.

In the first reading, the Prophet Jeremiah foretells the coming of our Lord Jesus into this world. This was the gentle coming of our Saviour devoid of his glory and majesty and born in abject poverty. Our Lord is likened to a gentle shoot, lowly, peace loving and slow to anger with no display of power. The first coming of our Lord was played out in a way that he was portrayed as a weakling. He was opposed, hated and finally killed.

The Gospel reading deals with the second coming of our Lord Jesus. This will not be comparable to the first coming. Instead, this will be a display of power and might, so much so that the powers in heaven and hell will be shaken. People will die of fright and yet awaken to more frightful scenes. The sea and waves will respond with fury. It is said that, this day will assault everyone. It is beyond our comprehension and understanding, such will be the display of glory. And to top it all, our Lord Jesus will be seen appearing in all his majesty, power and glory.

In short, we are being told that Advent is a time to prepare for our Lord’s coming. Advent is often limited to the historical story: the first coming of Jesus which we remember in the form of cute cribs, gentle shepherds and we prepare with carols, Christmas trees and gifts. But, the next coming is not going to be so cute and cuddly, but one of terror and shock. We are told that we will have to stand before our Saviour and answer up to him. Mercy is for now while justice will operate then. How then should we prepare for our Lord’s coming? It should be genuine repentance and total forgiveness. It will be better for us to get on our knees now than at the time when we will fling ourselves on the ground.

The prayer of the psalmist comes in handy as we can pray, “O Lord to you I lift up my soul. Guide me in the truth and teach me.” The second reading from 1 Thessalonians 3:12 says “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love”, simply because in the end, the Lord will not ask us about our gifts and achievements but if we shared love and gave love. One apt way to prepare for Advent is to remember that it will not be the gentle Lord but the Mighty Saviour who will demand answers from us.

PRAYER: Abba Father, may I be prepared to welcome your Son. Amen