This weekend I begin a new Advent Message Series called LET THERE BE LIGHT—Opening Our Lives to the Light of the World. This is a four week series during Advent reflecting on the need for light in our lives and of course the need for Christ, who is the light of the world.
Advent is a season of preparation, change and joyful anticipation. It is truly a time to make way for the Lord. Light brings us energy, strength, warmth, sight and perspective. This is also true in the reality of our faith.
I will be preaching this series in person at the 12 Noon Mass at St. Joseph Church but also at all the Masses I celebrate on the weekend. We will also of course post the homily so you can watch or listen—just go to our website (chathamcatholic.ca).
November 29/30 – EVERYBODY NEEDS LIGHT
December 6/7 – LIGHT TO OTHERS—INDIVIDUALS
December 13/14 – LIGHT TO OTHERS—COMMUNITY
December 20/21 – LAST MINUTE INVITATIONS
ADVENT IS A SEASON TO STAY AWAKE
Happy New Year everyone!!! This weekend we begin the Church’s new liturgical year seeking to embrace the light of the world and walk with the Lord through his ministry, passion, death and resurrection. We look for conversion, renewal, growth and light to fill our hearts so that we can become faithful and loving disciples.
Despite our best efforts, at times the darkness, struggles and “busy-ness” of our lives can make us lost, tired or overwhelmed falling asleep to the grace and love that Jesus offers. We can miss out on that light that can inspire and ignite us as faithful disciples reflecting the light of God’s love into the world. Advent becomes this wake-up call for us to see where we need healing, change, conversion and love so that we can become light for our world.
Advent is a joyful season of “active waiting”. We are called by Christ to stay awake and be attentive to the love He offers and the opportunities presented to us sharing the eternal light with those in need.
Advent spans three time periods. THE PAST—This season allows us to remember the incarnation—the Word that became flesh who dwelt amongst us. God came to save His people and set us on a new path towards heaven. THE PRESENT—Advent allows us to open our hearts to the love and presence of Jesus here and now. He can change our lives and offer us direction on how we can serve and become Him in our world today. THE FUTURE—Advent also beckons us to be ready, individually and as a community, for His triumphant return. Will He find us ready by living faithful lives in service or will be caught off guard? Advent reminds us to always stay awake.
LET THERE BE LIGHT
Everyone of course notices that the days continue to get darker and darker and nights are getting longer and longer as we approach winter and Christmas. During this time we recognize our great need for light.
We need light in every aspect of our being. We need light for physical health and without light, we would have no food. Light is the source of energy for plants, which feed and nourish us. Without light we cannot arrange our world or operate within it. Light provides warmth, heat, energy and perspective. It offers us emotional health and helps us feel safe. We need to enlighten our minds and our hearts. Light is essential for our very existence!!
CHRIST OUR LIGHT
Ultimately, all of us need the true light of the world—Jesus Christ. He brings us grace, hope, joy and peace. His light offers mercy, forgiveness, healing and love that empowers us to become light too. We need the Lord in our lives and Advent becomes this powerful season to embrace that light anew.
I hope and pray that this message series rekindles in all of us the desire to live each day differently. That we recognize the need for the light of Christ and embrace that light in everything we do. I also hope that we can all be so moved by Christ’s light that we eagerly invite others to the light. Happy Advent!!
