Coffee & Writing

As a little kid, I always thought Advent was just a countdown to Santa Claus. I mean, I knew it was about the birth of Jesus, but, still, I just thought it was this…

Surprisingly, that is not what Advent is about.

The first week of Advent is all about HOPE, which is the main theme of Advent, but it’s also a time to prepare for the birth of Jesus. In fact, the first candle is called the hope candle.

With all that is out there, I know it’s hard to focus on hope, but that’s what you have to do. You have to remember that the dictionary definition of hope is, “to cherish a desire with anticipation : to want something to happen or be true.” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

The thing about hope is that we may not always have something happen in the way we want to happen, and that is because things happen in the way God wants them to happen. If you hear about people not being able to get medicines to people during wartime or after natural disasters, we always hope that people can get those medicines where they need to go, but hope does not equal guarantee and, for me, it’s a good rule of thumb to hope for the best and prepare for the worst. I will not expect the worst because I can be very creative at imagining the worst.

It’s important to look for the hope in every situation, because it is there. Children in a refugee camp are having a miserable time, but maybe someone donated a soccer/football. Perhaps because of that donation the crippling realities of a refugee camp disappear for a few hours and something wonderful happens in a dark place–laughter, fun, happy children.

This is also a time to just give yourself over to God. It’s a frustrating season and when you are tirelessly fighting with a roll of tape, just throw up your hands, give it to God, and just find cheap Christmas bags!

Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1

GOSPEL READING FOR ADEVENT WEEK 1

Lk 21:25-28, 34-36

Jesus said to his disciples:
“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, 
and on earth nations will be in dismay, 
perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves.
People will die of fright 
in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, 
for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
And then they will see the Son of Man 
coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
But when these signs begin to happen, 
stand erect and raise your heads 
because your redemption is at hand.

“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy 
from carousing and drunkenness 
and the anxieties of daily life, 
and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.
For that day will assault everyone
who lives on the face of the earth.
Be vigilant at all times 
and pray that you have the strength 
to escape the tribulations that are imminent 
and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Miriam Kavanagh