THE HOLY ROAD TO BETHLEHEM

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Today, the first Sunday of Advent in the mystery of the Incarnation, we step into a new liturgical year, a perfect moment to pause, reflect, and turn our hearts towards the coming of Christ Jesus.

The liturgical year is the Church’s way of walking alongside Jesus through His life, death, and resurrection. It is a time to renew our commitment, to let go of the old and welcome the new that God is always bringing into our lives. St. Louis Marie de Montfort, states that, the Incarnation is not just a historical event but a living reality that conforms us to Christ Jesus and makes Mary the perfect conduit of that grace. TD 14-15.

From Green to Purple: a change of colours.

We will notice the altar and the Priest’s vestments shifting from the ordinary green of Ordinary Time to the rich, penitent purple of Advent. Purple has long been the colour of preparation and anticipation- think of the solemnity of Lent, but also of the hopeful waiting for a king. Let that colour remind us that we are being called out of the everyday and into a deeper longing for the Messiah.

Advent wreath candles: a beacon for the weeks ahead

At the heart of the sanctuary sits the Advent wreath, a circle of four candles. Each candle is a beacon of the weeks ahead.

First candle-Hope: Lights the darkness of our world and the hope that dawns in Christ.
Second candle-Peace: Calls us to carry the peace of the Prince of Peace into our homes.
Third candle-Joy: Invites us to rejoice even as we prepare for his coming.
And, the fourth candle-Love: Prepares us for the greatest love shown on the Cross.

When we light these candles, we are not just performing a ritual; we are actually entering a sacred story that invites us to be part of God’s unfolding plan.

The need for inner preparation

The Gospel reading of this Sunday from the account of Matthew, Jesus was talking to His disciples and now reminds us to be always ready for the Son of man who is coming at an hour we least expect. He points to the need for interior preparation: A clearing away of distractions, a softening of hearts, a turning toward the Light.

As Pilgrims of Hope waiting for the coming of our Mighty King, we are invited to the following spiritual exercises:

Create Space for Silence– set aside a few minutes each day, perhaps after lighting the first – candle, to listen. In the quiet, God can speak to the deepest part of our souls.
Practice Holy Waiting– use the weeks of Advent to embrace the small sacrifices such as a slower morning, a shared meal, a moment of gratitude. Let these acts shape a heart that waits expectantly.
Extend the Wreath’s Light– let the candle’s flame inspire concrete acts of kindness. Offer a smile to a stranger, donate a needed item, or simply pray for someone who needs hope.
Walk the Path of Conversion– reflect on areas where we need to make straight paths. Confession, or a renewed commitment to daily prayer can turn a crooked road into a smooth one.
Live the Advent Promise Everyday– when Christmas arrives, the celebration will be beautiful, but the true gift is a Christ who dwells in us each moment.
Carry the spirit of Advent– hope, peace, joy, love, into the ordinary days that follow.

As we step into this Advent season, let the purple vestments, the glowing wreath, and the Lord’s echo resonate in our heart’s: “Be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an unexpected hour,”. This will help us in meeting Him not just on Christmas morning, but in every heartbeat, in every act of love, in every quiet moment. May this be a season of true preparation, so that when we finally welcome the new born King, we do so with hearts ready to receive Him anew, day after day.

Reflection prepared by Sr. Stelia Victor, Malawi