Waiting on The Lord: Daily Advent Spiritual Journey

Fr. Patrick Etuk, MSP

 









Adventus

Waiting on The Lord: Daily Advent Spiritual Journey

Today, on the first Sunday of Advent, we begin a season of anticipation and preparation for the coming of the Lord. Advent, from the Latin word "adventus," means arrival or the coming time. It is a time when we remember three essential ways in which Christ comes to us: in history, in mystery, and in glory.

In history, we see Christ's first coming when God became man in the birth of Jesus. He became one like us in all things so that we will become like him. In His unfailing love and mercy, he has come to visit us to free us from the power of darkness and guide us into his peace. In today's first reading from the book of Isaiah, 64:1,3-8 we hear about God's mercy towards His people, despite their sins. It is a reminder of God's love and grace manifested through Christ's birth. In the gospels, we encounter Jesus of history and when we ponder on his words and deeds we come to have fellowship and communion with him. He becomes real and alive in our lives. 

In mystery, Christ comes to us in a hidden way. In our moments of communion and fellowship with him and with one another he is with us.  He tells us, where two or three are gathered in my name, I am in their midst. Mt. 18:20.  In the letter to the Corinthians, Paul reminds us of God's faithfulness and that we lack no spiritual gift as we wait for the revelation of Christ. 1cor. 3-9.  This is made possible by Christ's abiding presence in our lives in mystery, keeping his promise to us that he will be with us always to the close of age. We can always turn to him for guidance, healing, courage, and the strength we need for life’s challenges.  in the poor and those who are suffering, he calls us to be instruments of his love and channels of his grace in service to the least so that we will become more and more like him. When we welcome him daily in mystery, we see his glory shine more and more in our lives. 

In glory, Christ returns in the final days. In Mark 13:33-37, Jesus urges us to be watchful and prepared for His return. "Watch and be ready" is the message.

However, in the world today, there are many threats to our preparedness. Worldly distractions, like social media, stress, and excessive attention to the material things of this world, can steal our time and focus away from God. How can we overcome these threats and prepare for the Lord's coming?

Firstly, let us prioritize our relationships with God. Take time each day for personal prayer and reflection. Also, share time with others in the community in worship and fellowship. In our busy world, it's easy to forget that these are indispensable moments for personal enrichment and growth.  

Secondly, let us be aware of the needs of those who suffer around us, especially the poor and vulnerable. In serving others, we serve Christ Himself.

So, let us use this Advent season to clear our hearts and minds from the distractions that threaten our preparedness. Let us focus on Christ, who came, is coming, and will come again. May we be ready to meet Him in history, mystery, and glory? Amen.

Here's a seven-day plan for living out the message of Advent with daily meditations from scriptures, concrete examples, and words of affirmation from scriptures:

Day 1 (Sunday): Reflect on Christ's Historical Arrival

  • Begin your day with a moment of prayer and gratitude, thanking God for sending Jesus into the world.

  • Meditate on Isaiah 9:6: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given." Reflect on the significance of Christ's historical birth.

  • Affirmation: "I am grateful for the gift of Jesus, who came into the world to bring salvation."

Day 2 (Monday): Embrace the Hidden Mystery

  • During your prayer time, ask God to reveal Himself to you in the hidden moments of your day.

  • Be attentive to the people you encounter and the opportunities for acts of kindness.

  • Meditate on Matthew 25:40: "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

  • Affirmation: "I see Christ in the faces of those I meet, and I serve Him through acts of love and compassion."

Day 3 (Tuesday): Daily Devotion through Prayer

  • Dedicate time for personal prayer, asking God to guide you throughout the day.

  • Choose a scripture verse that resonates with you and carry it with you as a reminder.

  • Meditate on Psalm 119:105: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

  • Affirmation: "God's Word lights my path, and I trust His guidance in every step I take."

Day 4 (Wednesday): The Transformation Within

  • Reflect on how Christ's presence in your life is transforming you.

  • Identify areas in your life where you can grow closer to Christ and become more like Him.

  • Meditate on 2 Corinthians 3:18: "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory."

  • Affirmation: "I am becoming more like Christ each day, reflecting His love and grace."

Day 5 (Thursday): Preparation for His Glory

  • Consider the importance of being watchful and prepared for Christ's return.

  • Reflect on how you can live a life that is pleasing to God and in anticipation of His glory.

  • Meditate on Revelation 22:12: "Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done."

  • Affirmation: "I eagerly await Christ's return, knowing that I live each day in His love and grace."

Day 6 (Friday): Overcoming Distractions

  • Take a moment to identify distractions in your life that hinder your relationship with God.

  • Make a plan to reduce or eliminate these distractions to create space for spiritual growth.

  • Meditate on Psalm 46:10: "Be still, and know that I am God."

  • Affirmation: "I silence distractions and create moments of stillness to connect with God."

Day 7 (Saturday): Focusing on Christ

  • Reflect on how you've lived out the message of Advent throughout the week.

  • Express gratitude for the opportunities to grow in faith and prepare for Christ's coming.

  • Meditate on Hebrews 12:2: "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."

  • Affirmation: "I fix my eyes on Jesus, my Savior and the source of my hope."

By following this seven-day plan, you can deepen your understanding of Advent, embrace Christ's daily presence, and prepare your heart for His ultimate glory.

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