Advent - A Time of Presents or Presence?

​By Sr. Caterina de Siena

A favorite Advent hymn of mine is “Waiting in Silence” by Carey Landry.  Listen to it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpEj6pIwa6E
The hymn begins with the lyrics:  
Waiting in silence,
waiting in hope,
we are your people,
we long for you, Lord.
Lord God, ever with us, Emmanuel.
Come Lord Jesus.
Maranatha!
Amidst the hustle and bustle of pre-Christmas activities such as purchasing gifts, planning family gatherings, work parties and card writing, there stands the quiet and gentle call of the Advent season.  Advent is the season where we slow down and take time to reflect and ponder the wonder of the Incarnation of Jesus who became one of us in order to redeem humanity. We are also Advent people who patiently and quietly await the second coming of Jesus when he will draw all things to himself.
Advent is not the season to ramp up activities.  Look at what nature does at this time of year. Trees lose their leaves; growth slows down and becomes internal – saving energy for the long, cold winter.  Like nature, we benefit from this season of waiting in silence and hope – to experience the presence of Christ who is the light for the dark nights ahead.
Will you be consumed by the attainment of presents and “things” which are a part of the material world that is passing?  OR will you reflect upon the presence of Christ who eagerly waits to spend this time with you?  The Eternal One wants to quiet your mind and heart in order to grow roots that are deep and rich in His love and mercy.
As we bask in the presence of Christ, we are then called to go out and be Christ for others.  Here are a few ways that you can be “the presence of Christ” in a world which desperately needs to experience the love of Our Lord:

• Traffic jams are a good way to pray that everyone arrives safely at their destination.
• Grocery store lines can provide wonderful opportunities to pray for fellow shoppers and clerks.
• Pay a visit to someone who is alone during this time of year.
• Take a break from your daily routine and visit a Catholic church to spend time with Jesus present in the Tabernacle. 
• When speaking to others, really be present to them and don’t be thinking what you should be doing, but enjoy the present moment.  It is precious time that may never be repeated.

Christians wait in silence and hope and long for God’s presence in our lives.  Once you experience the unique presence of God, the other “presents” assume their proper place.