As we prepare for the birth of the Christ Child, we begin a season of waiting in anticipation.
For Christians, the Church’s year begins with Advent, when we direct our hearts and minds to the anniversary of Jesus’ birth on Christmas. During Advent, we remember our reason to hope: we are assured in a most overwhelming way that God always keeps his promises. On that first Christmas, God sent the long-awaited fulfillment of the promise of salvation.
Jesus was not born into comfort and security. He chose to share our human trials, becoming one with us. If we follow the light of Christ, we will know peace and joy, even in our times of darkness, our times of challenge.
“Open wide your door to the one who comes. Open your soul, throw open the depths of your heart to see the riches of simplicity, the treasures of peace, the sweetness of grace. Open your heart and run to meet the Sun of eternal light that illuminates all people.” – St. Ambrose of Milan
