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Prepare for the coming

Advent is a time for spiritual preparation

Early at dawn, on November 27, an ancient chant - about two thousand years old - stirred in the minds of millions of people across the world. In churches, congregations responded to the chant "Maranatha, Come, Lord Jesus come," and one of the candles in the Advent wreath was lit signalling the beginning of Advent.

The candle reminds people of the Christ who declared, "I am the light of the world." During Advent, the Church prays to that Eternal Light to enlighten "those in darkness and death's shadow."

Advent brings up images of God being born a little babe, recaptured in Midnight Mass apart from the celebration panorama of Santa Claus, jingle bells, carols, greetings, gifts, the Christmas tree, the crib, the star, new clothes and of course cakes and cookies. Drawn form the Latin word adventus, Advent means `coming'. The observance of Advent started in the 6th century A.D.

The Church considers the birth of Jesus at Bethlehem as His first Advent and his triumphant return on Doomsday, the day of Last Judgment as the Second Advent or Christ's "Second Coming." In India, Advent begins on the first of four Sundays immediately before Christmas while in the West; it begins on November 14th and is a 40-day period like Lent before Easter.

Advent, has aunique importance in the history of humanity. Advent for the Jews meant the coming of the Messiah andhad been a long and desperately awaited one.

The Jewish scribes and the elders had only a limited vision of the Messiah as a powerful king and ruler who would deliver them from alien rule and hostility.

At the time of the birth of Christ, the Romans ruled the Jews. While Jewish leaders had this limited politically utilitarian vision of the much-awaited leader, the Prophets of the Old Testament, especially Isaiah foresaw the Messiah as as the Saviour of all mankind.

Advent is a period of preparation. People have to reject sin, repent and empty themselves to make room for Jesus in their soul. Advent urges people to turn to Jesus in thanksgiving, penitence, prayer, adoration and love.

Dr. B.F. SHOWRAYYA

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