Preparation for Joy

It’s that time of year again! We are finally done with skeletons and turkey and we are now preparing stockings and Christmas ornaments. It truly is the official countdown for Christmas. As a father of three kids, it is easy to embrace the Christmas spirit.
As a child, it was my favorite holiday and how could it not be? There is nothing like Christmas.

As Catholics, obviously, we recognize the importance of Advent. It is a countdown to the beginning of our salvation and the themes of anticipation are palpable. While it is appropriate to anticipate the holiday of Christmas, the theme of anticipation doesn’t just stop there. Every Advent, we are also called to anticipate the returnof our Savior, Jesus Christ.

I’m sorry if I express it every year, but I truly believe a reminder is necessary.
Advent isn’t just about the present celebration of Christmas, but it is a season to help us to be ready for Jesus coming again. Father Patrick alluded to the idea of not living in fear in his homily a couple weeks ago. He is obviously right. While on paper, it may feel like pondering on the Second Coming is a fearfilled task; in reality, with proper preparation, it actually brings peace.

In today’s second reading, St. Paul tells us to awake from our sleep and our salvation is near. Notice that he doesn’t tell us to awaken, because of upcoming dread. Rather, he wants us to open our eyes, because the promises God has given are coming. Christ’s second coming has never been about fear, but rather, it’s about a reunion in paradise.

As we anticipate the good and beautiful things of Christmas 2025, let us use those times to help us also anticipate the joy of our God coming again. The joys of peace and love throughout the Christmas season are effective signs of what is to come.
If we experience peace and joy on earth, it is merely a glimpse of the peace and joy that God promises. Hold on to your experiences and allow God to transform them during this season.

Happy Advent, everyone! My prayer is that we further recognize how beloved we are by God. Let us awake from our sleep and experience our salvation throughout this season.


God Bless,


Brett Becker
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Youth and Young Adult Minister 

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