Faith Matters
With Advent upon us, enthusiastically prepare for the Saviour
Remembering the messages behind the three arrivals of Christ in our lives should engender joyful reactions comparable to those felt by Swifties, writes Bishop Gerard Bergie.
By Bishop Gerard Bergie
Contributing Columnist
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour created quite a stir in Toronto. It is now over, and many were grateful for the opportunity to see this talented entertainer in concert.
The city of Toronto was also thankful for the millions of dollars it generated for the local economy.
There is no question that a great deal of time and effort were put into preparing for the coming of Swift.
Many Christian churches have now begun the liturgical Season of Advent. This word simply means “coming.” We focus on the three “comings” of Christ.
The first coming is what we celebrate at Christmas. Jesus came to us, born in a simple stable in Bethlehem. During the final weeks of Advent, we focus on the birth of Jesus and its meaning for our salvation. We prepare for his coming as the Son of God.
The second coming occurs at the end of time when Jesus comes again to judge both the living and the dead. During the early days of Advent, we consider this reality and are reminded that we do not know the day or the hour when Jesus will return. Therefore, we must always “stay awake” and be ready for his return.
The third coming of Jesus focuses on the present moment rather than past or future. He comes to us each day in so many different ways. This is the reality that we consider, not only during Advent, but also throughout the year.
When I was reading about all the excitement and preparation for the coming of Taylor Swift, I could not help but compare that with how Christians prepare for the Lord. There is definitely not the same enthusiasm.
I believe that we can do better.
St. John the Baptist offers some sound advice: “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’” (Luke 3:4-6)
St. John is speaking about removing all of those obstacles that get in the way of Jesus coming to us. What are the distractions that may prevent us from seeing “the salvation of God”?
When we consider the first coming of Christ, are the material preparations for Christmas blinding us to its spiritual meaning? Do we take the time to prayerfully reflect on the true meaning of the birth of Jesus, who came to us as a small baby so that we could welcome him and love him? Do we see Jesus as the source of our salvation?
In preparing for the second coming of Jesus, do we live each day as if it could be our last? In the grand scheme of things life is short, and we do not know the hour or time when God will call us from this life to the next life. The prospect of death can be frightening; however, if we prepare ourselves, then the prospect of coming home to God may not be so overwhelming.
This is why Jesus comes to us each day in his third coming, so that we can know and love him. The challenge is to make his way straight and smooth. We need to remove the obstacles by making time for a friend who loves us beyond our imagining.
All Christians may not be Swifties; however, Christians should do all in their power to “swiftly” remove all the obstacles that prevent Jesus from coming.
Happy Advent.