Every new Church calendar year begins with the season of Advent. Strategically placed just after the Solemnity of Christ the King, it follows the story of Jesus from the anticipation of his birth until his crowning as King. Throughout the year, in both the particular seasons and Ordinary Time, we have laid out before us the story of the People of God. Many Old Testament readings mark the first reading, except in the seasons of Easter.

     Have you ever wondered or pondered about the place of God in our world. Imagine that, as the Church believes, God has existed before all time, during earthly time and will be ever-present for the remaining time. Remember the old line many of us learned in grade school as we approached a street intersection:  Stop, Look, and Listen. Although we might think about that as a bit funny now, it is really a good reminder about how we can view the season of Advent.

     As Advent points us to the birth of the Savior at Christmas, it is really good once in a while to do those things. When stopping, we can look around, listen to the world and move from the fast pace of life many of us live. It is easy to miss the omnipresence of God in our world. Although we might use daily prayer as well as attend Mass on the weekends, God is present in all time and all places. That makes God a witness to the world. Advent is a good time to witness God in our world.

     The very important meaning of the Advent season is that Jesus has entered our world to redeem us from our sin. As a reality of redemption, we no longer have to worry about that. Rather, it is very significant that we take the time to be aware how present Christ is in our world.

     Enjoy the Advent season as the time of promise and remember that God’s abiding earthly presence in Jesus will always be with us.