Watching in Expectation:
Discernment and Preparation for Christmas
First Sunday of Advent
On the first Sunday of Advent, we are faced with a profound and significant call in Mark’s Gospel (13:33-37): that of “keeping watch”. This call is not just a reminder to stay physically awake, but rather an invitation to a deeper kind of vigilance, a vigilance of soul and spirit.
The Advent season, which precedes Christmas, is traditionally a time of preparation and reflection. It is a time when we are called to slow down amidst the hustle and bustle of the festivities and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. In this context, ‘waking’ takes on a broader meaning: it is an invitation to be mindful, to be present and to be fully engaged in the present moment.
But what exactly does it mean to watch? In the context of the Gospel, to watch means to be aware of God’s presence in our lives. It means being attentive to the ways in which God manifests himself, often in the most unexpected places and at the most unexpected times. It is an invitation to be open to God’s surprises, not to be overwhelmed by daily worries to the point of losing sight of what is really important.
Moreover, keeping watch is a process of pacifying the soul. In a world that is often filled with anxiety, stress and conflict, finding inner peace can seem a daunting task. However, the Advent season offers us the opportunity to do just that. It is a time to reflect, to reconnect with ourselves and with God, and to find the inner peace that only He can give.
In this sense, keeping vigil becomes an act of preparation. Preparing for Christmas does not just mean decorating houses or planning celebrations. It means preparing our hearts and souls to welcome the Prince of Peace. It means making room in our crowded lives for God, allowing His presence to transform and renew us.
In conclusion, the first Sunday of Advent calls us to a kind of vigilance that is both active and contemplative. It invites us to be present in the moment, aware of God’s presence and open to His surprises. It is a time to pacify our souls and prepare ourselves to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas: the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
