The Hebrew sacred scriptures are brimming with the expectation of the justice and peace, the Messiah and the reign of God that will one day come to this world. The Christian sacred scriptures are full of the same expectation and hope. We hear the word “Emmanuel” in our readings twice this Sunday, first in the reading from the prophet Isaiah and then in the Gospel from St. Matthew. It means “God-is-with-us.” St. Matthew not only begins his Gospel with this theme but also ends with it: “And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.” Everything in Jesus’ life – His mission, teaching, miracles and healing, His chasing away of evil, and the events of His last days – are an expression of this “God-is-with-us.”
Advent is a time to prepare not only materially but also spiritually for the coming of the Lord. It is an opportunity to take time out of our busy lives, our tasks and appointments, and simply recognize God’s loving presence in all humanity and in the natural world. Pay special attention to the gift of family and friends, and bless God for all these things. As Christmas draws nearer, we may have a heightened awareness of God’s presence among us and openness to being changed and blessed by it. Become aware of moments, events, encounters, and things you hear, touch, smell. Complaining comes easily to many of us, but as we build up to Christmas Day let us develop a positive approach, appreciating what we have and acknowledging the quiet presence of God in our lives. Recognizing our blessings can change how we look at the day and transmit it. Let us develop a sense of gladness and thankfulness. Let us discover our capacity to praise, making peace with ourselves and with God.