We say goodbye to all that is past. We write another chapter in the story of life. Could it be the final one? The Advent call is as persistent as it is clear. "Arise! Stay awake! Watch! Cast off all works of darkness." Repeatedly the prophet commands: "Listen!" Amid the ceaseless din and clamour we are summoned to a saving silence. The all-pervading noise threatens our sanity and our peace.
If today we hear God's voice we must not yet again harden our wayward hearts. The time is now! We seek healing and renewal. Advent opens the gateway to a new year of pilgrim journey. We hope, as the millennium draws near, to make it a year of promises at last fulfilled and holiest resolutions more sincerely cherished, more generously fulfilled. "Now is the acceptable time! Now is the day of salvation!" St Paul will not allow us to forget. Only with a faith-filled Advent can we enter Christmas. Noise and distraction and futile self indulgence, yes! But our festivity will lack all heart. With the Principal Guest absent what purpose can our feasting serve? If Christ be absent our festive fires soon turn to ashes. Our laughter is hollow and inane. We are left more dismal and more sad. From this tragic waste and failure a holy Advent saves us.
All too often amid commercial clamour we are withered leaves blown away by every passing wind. Into our sadness comes the comfort of Handel's sacred music bringing to us the Word that heals. "All we like sheep... Comfort ye! Comfort ye! Say unto my people their iniquity is pardoned...!" We listen to the prophetic voice crying in the wilderness of our broken lives. Each dangerous valley can be filled and hills of pride and folly soon made low by saving grace, by Scripture thought, awakened prayer, and healing sacrament. We make a highway for our God who alone can lead us to Christmas Joy in the Mystery of Bethlehem. For each of us a Star will arise and our once-imprisoned spirit will soar aloft as we allow His light to shine.
St Luke guides us to the best of teachers. Who better to reveal to us the mercy of the Redeeming Child than His Blessed Mother, first and most faithful of disciples. We know full well that Christ speaks to us in His living, in actions and in saving Words. Mary's insights and her love shine out in Bethlehem and in Nazareth, as in the joy of Cana in Galilee. "Whatever He says to you - do it!" The Infant in the Crib will teach in healing silence as His Mother shares with us her sinless wisdom. St Luke will not allow us to forget. "Mary kept all these things and pondered them deep in her heart . . ." May she guide us to a joy-filled Advent as we prepare for the Coming of her Blessed Son. "Come - Lord Jesus!"
". . . True Light of the world, Lord Jesus Christ, Son of Mary.
As you enlighten us for our salvation
Give us grace we pray in these Ad- vent days,
To herald your coming
By preparing the ways of justice and peace, by reverent caring for your poor -
Stir up your power and come to save us!
Come Lord Jesus! Mend our broken lives.
Give to us a Christmas Hope made new.
Come Lord Jesus!
Lord . . . Teach us how to pray!
F. MacN.