15 No hibernation for the Christian! During Advent, the Gospel invites us to “keep watch.” We watch when we are waiting for a great event. Advent takes place during the longest nights of the year, and yet we are invited not to fall asleep but to keep our hearts ready, to watch for the arrival of God in our lives. How do we “watch”? We do this by praying, by saying “no” to everything that distances us from God (such as sin), and by living as true Christians, joyful and generous! “I proclaim to you good news of great joy...” (Lk 2:10) This iswhat the angelwill say to the shepherds at Christmas. Yes, Advent is a path that leads to great joy! TheChurch reminds us of this on the third Sunday of Advent, called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means “joy.” To signify this, the priest can wear pink at Mass. Our expectation, our preparation for Christmas is thus illuminated by the hope of the birth of the “Prince of Peace” whowill save theworld. The Immaculate Conception On December 8, the Church celebrates the Blessed Virgin Mary, immaculate, or without sin from the moment of her conception! She is the patroness of the United States of America. (See page 108.) Other prophets have already done this in previous centuries. But John proclaims the imminence of his arrival and the urgent need for conversion. We must change our hearts and prepare to welcome the Messiah! How does John know this? God has revealed to him that Jesus, born six months after him, is this hoped-for Messiah. John’s voice crying out in the desert urges us, too, to “prepare the ways of the Lord” in the world... and first of all, in our hearts. of Advent
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