“The Advent season is that time when we seek to, in a manner of speaking, mute our memory of what has already happened, that we might brighten our joy that it happened. We leave the already of His advent to taste the bitter of the not yet. We, in short, go back, that we might look forward to His coming.” ~ R. C. Sproul
If today’s quote does not sound like a time-traveling scenario, I don’t know what does! Back and forth, past and future, all the while living in the present. That is what we are all called to do.
As believers, we constantly look to our past. We do so in order to learn. We do so in order to correct our mistakes. We do so in order to draw hope. It is all focused, ultimately, upon the here and now. Our reflection upon the past and our dreams of the future help us to live our lives right now as completely as possible.
Through these past almost four full weeks, we have looked back and considered the stories of the prophets. We have looked forward and dreamed of the time when we are called to the Kingdom. But more than anything else, we have looked to our present day and tried to fill it as completely as possible with prayer, contemplation, worship, and action. Filling our days thusly, we are amply prepared for our tomorrows.
Tomorrow is a very special day. It is Christmas Eve. That day is a day of great promise and hope, especially for children. Children everywhere squirm with anticipation for the coming of Christmas. It is barely possible to keep them focused as they look forward to tearing open their gifts.
Let that same palpable excitement and tension fill your hearts so that you, too, look forward to tearing open the greatest gift that will be given to you: an invitation to live with God for eternity at the end of your days.
FAITH ACTION: Thank God for the graces He has showered upon you throughout this Advent season and wait with expectant joy for the celebration of Christmas tomorrow night and Sunday.