FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT: STAYING AWAKE

What Difference Does Advent Make?

Here comes another Advent! But what difference does it make? For some, it may feel like “just another year,” another cycle of Christmas lights, cooking, buying gifts, and decorating the house. These little details can be good and attractive, but they can easily weigh us down and make us lose the true meaning of Advent. For instance, some people do not cherish Christmas because of the burden of having to fix so many things for their family. Imagine the demands that wrapping Christmas gifts for over twenty-five grandchildren places on a grandma.

Advent is not just an annual routine or ritual—it is a spiritual opportunity, a privileged time of grace in which Christ invites us to renewed watchfulness.

Ascending the Mountain of the Lord (Isaiah 2:1–5)

Isaiah presents Advent as a journey up the mountain of the Lord, “the highest of the mountains”—toward which all nations stream. To climb this mountain is to allow God to transform us. On this mountain:

- Weapons become instruments of peace: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares…”

- Trials become mission: God reshapes our daily struggles into opportunities for spiritual growth.

- We walk in the light: “Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord.”

The good news is that the Lord’s mountain is the highest of all mountains, which is why we journey through this period with excitement. To stay awake is to walk toward Christ, letting His light reorder our priorities.

Living in the Dawn of Christ (Romans 13:11–14)

Saint Paul uses the contrast between night and day to describe spiritual awakening. Christians belong to the dawn brought about through the death and resurrection of Christ. Therefore:

• “Throw off the works of darkness.”

• “Put on the armor of light.”

• “Conduct yourselves properly as in the day.”

Paul warns that spiritual sleep comes through behaviors that dull our conscience—drunkenness, lust, rivalry, jealousy, etc. The way to remain spiritually awake is to put on Christ, the Light of the world, the Light of love, joy, and peace.

The Seriousness of Watchfulness (Matthew 24:37–44)

Jesus reinforces the message “Therefore, stay awake… You also must be prepared.”

The people of Noah’s time were not alert. Life went on—eating, drinking, marrying—while their hearts drifted far from God. Jesus warns that:

• Being close to someone holy (a spouse, friend, colleague) is no guarantee of salvation.

• Watchfulness is personal and deliberate.

• Advent reminds us that each of us is responsible for the state of our souls. To stay awake is to live with spiritual intentionality.

Practical Ways to Stay Awake This Advent

1. Family Scripture Time

Try the Advent tradition of reading the 24 chapters of Luke—one chapter a day beginning December 1. By Christmas Eve, your family will have read the entire life of Jesus as presented by the evangelist Luke. The gospel ends with a beautiful package of blessings, joys, and worship right after Christ’s ascension (Lk 24: 50–53). What a powerful way to enter Christmas!

2. Volunteer for Charity

Offer your time to someone in need. Volunteering even once during these four weeks can deepen your commitment to the human family and prepare your heart for Christmas. For instance, parishes have soup kitchens and pantries that serve food to the poor. Ministries such as Saint Vincent de Paul and the Ladies of Sodalities equally do outreach.

3. Receive the Sacraments—Especially Confession

Make time for confession. Even if you feel you have only “small sins”:

• bad thoughts* harsh words gossip road rage impatience uncharitable attitudes

Let Christ cleanse you. Wear a new spiritual robe for Christmas.

4. Dedicate Something to the Poor

Give winter clothing, socks, hats, or donate to a reliable charity. Your kindness can warm a person on the street or bring joy to an orphan far away.

5. Visit the Sick or Homebound

A simple visit can transform someone’s spirit: “I came to support you. Take courage—Jesus loves you.” Such acts of mercy shine God’s light into dark places.

Choose one or two of these intentionally. Let them become your personal Advent program.

As Saint Paul says: “The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Rom. 14:17) Happy Advent!

Readings: Isaiah 2:1–5; Romans 13:11–14; Matthew 24:37–44

Reflection Questions

1. What areas of my life have grown spiritually sleepy, and how is God inviting me to “stay awake” this Advent?

2. Which one or two Advent practices am I committed to doing intentionally this year?

3. How can I allow the light of the Lord to transform my daily attitudes, relationships, and decisions during these four weeks?