Readings for the First Sunday of Advent, Year B
Maybe you’ve seen the Internet meme of Jesus at a closed door ready to knock. The caption says: “Jesus is coming. Look busy!”
No matter what we do, it’s hard to keep from being busy in Advent. If you’re a parish liturgist or pastoral musician, it simply is the nature of the season, whether in or out of parish life. We all know we’re supposed to slow down, be less focused on the secular Christmas season (which began after Halloween!), and spend a lot more time in prayerful preparation. Well, here’s an early Christmas present for you: Stop trying so hard. Sure, do what you can, but God doesn’t need you feeling guilty. You still have to do your job, get ready for family, or look for the perfect present for your loved one. Those are good things, so revel in them.
But here’s how you can be more watchful for the Lord’s coming this season. Each day as you go about your activities, when you see something beautiful, stop a moment and look at it deeply. Notice how God is present there. Let it leave a mark on you, like the potter’s hands shape clay. Then give thanks to God. Now get back to work. Jesus is coming!
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