We can be awake to the presence of Jesus during Advent by helping the poor as Jesus is present to us through them. The poor does not only refer to those who lack material things, but also those who are poor in spirit, those who needs to be loved and understood.
— Anna Grace Cornejo
Advent means preparing for the coming of Jesus. It is time for us to wake up and to be alert. The birth of Christ is not about Christmas trees or any merriment. It is about the presence of Christ in our lives. We tend to focus on the material needs so we may neglect our spiritual needs. We need to slow down a bit from our busy schedules and comtemplate more on the coming of Christ. Try to know what Christ wants of us. Christ comes in different ways. We need to invite him to enter into our lives.
— Baby Jean De Leon
Advent is a season of spiritual preparations for ourselves to welcome Jesus in our hearts with great joy. We wait while preparing our hearts, so that we are always awake for his presence. It is best to fix the condition of our hearts and lower down its noise for us to realise the true significance of this season. In order to have a deeper connection with our loving God, it will be good if we can pray more, attend the Mass and Eucharistic adoration, recite the rosary, meditate on the daily scripture readings or even say a short prayer before working to help us think of Jesus. We should make some sacrifices for the benefit of others like listening and comforting someone in deep sorrow, sharing food with others, giving a smile to a stranger, reaching out to the needy, elderly and the sick. We also need to go to the confessional box for the sacrament of reconciliation. It will be beneficial for our spirituality if we can do such things regularly.
— Ruth Lacaran
God is always near. But so often, we are not aware. We cannot welcome him because we are not awake to his presence. Advent is the time for us to be awake from our dormant spirit. When we are awake to God’s presence, our hearts are open to doing his will and living according to his loving plan for us. As we are excited for Christmas, we also need to be prepared for his coming by doing good things, encouraging everyone to know our Creator, putting him as the first in our heart, feeling his presence no matter how bad our situation is and thinking positively for he will be at our side.
When I was young, I am honestly excited for Christmas because of Santa Claus. With the passing of years I started to realise that my concern should be to prepare myself for his coming. I am now thinking about what to share, what I can do to make the year memorable and how to help in simple ways for a friend who really needs help, to share my blessings from God.
— Rhea Bless Limon
We must be ready at all times, ready in terms of spiritual aspect. We must be faithful to our Almighty God by following his commandments. We should try our best to do what is pleasing to God. We should help others specially those in need either financially or spiritually. Advent is a season to be spiritually ready and always alive to the presence of God. Prayers can help us stay awake.
— Jesalira Sareno
