Friends, it is hard to believe that the Season of Advent is upon us. Speaking of Advent, did you know that each candle on the Advent wreath has a special meaning?
Ancient tradition reveals that the candles often represent hope, faith, joy and peace. How many of us could use a little more hope, faith, joy and peace in our lives?
That is my prayer for all of you this Advent season.
This week, we’ll begin by lighting the Prophet’s candle symbolizing hope. The Prophet Isaiah brought a message of hope in anticipation of the coming of the Messiah.
In our world today, it can be easy to get discouraged or overwhelmed. Sickness, death, division, violence … these are all difficult parts of the human experience.
So, what can we do to overcome the feelings that can so easily bring us down into the dumps and keep us from living the life we are called to?
I will suggest two things.
- First, ask the Lord to increase in you the Virtue of Hope. Christian hope is not magic; it is not wishful thinking. It is not simply optimism. It is a gift of God that can preserve us in the midst of those challenges in life that bring us down. It is rooted in the new life we have received in Jesus Christ. St. Paul tells us that hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love was poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit at our baptism (cf. Romans 5:5). Therefore, the virtue of hope is already in you. Ask the Holy Spirit to make it come alive.
This hope enables us to trust in Christ’s promises, to trust in the power of his love, to trust in his forgiveness, his friendship. This love opens the door to new life.
- The second thing to do is turn to your friends in your vulnerability. Allow them to accompany you in those moments. The grace of friendship envelops and sustains us, leaving us open to the gift of God’s hope. So, don’t be afraid to ask for help and support in life’s journey!
Pope Francis tells us that hope involves going forward with others in solidarity. During this season of Advent, this season of hopeful expectation, is Jesus asking you to extend friendship and love to anyone in particular? Do you know anyone who is lonely and needs someone to talk to? How can you reach out and help generate hope in other people? Perhaps even as you are listening to this message, the Holy Spirit has brought someone to your mind. Bring the gift of Advent to them.
And, don’t forgot to pray each day this week for the virtue of hope to come alive in you.
God bless you all!