Advent invites us to pray “Come, Lord Jesus!” and to live with a sense of hopeful waiting. It reminds us that life is not meant to feel completely finished or perfect just yet. Instead, we keep our hearts open, trusting that God will bring true fulfilment in his own time. This spirit of waiting helps us stay awake, aware, and ready for grace.
We lose this Advent attitude when we expect others, or life itself, to meet all our demands. If we insist that our worries must disappear or that everything should work out exactly as we imagine, we close ourselves off from hope. Asking “Why did this happen to me?” prevents us from accepting God’s larger, more generous picture.
Saying “Come, Lord Jesus!” is an act of trust. It means choosing to live with patience, even when things are unresolved, and still finding peace. Christian hope believes that Jesus has already met us in our past struggles and will come again. Because of this, the prayer is not a cry of fear but a confident expression of hope for the whole world.
Take a moment for personal reflection on this First Sunday of Advent:
- Do you think you are really ready to give up your life not to offend God grievously when you commit venial sin in order to avoid some correction or reproach?
- Can you honestly say you know God deeply if you feel no desire to give your whole life to him, the very One you seek?
- Is your patience genuine if you show it only to those you prefer or only when it suits you?
- Can you call yourself loving if your kindness extends only to those who already love you?
- If you were sincerely humble, would you find anything in yourself that you believe deserves praise or admiration?
