Happy 2024 Advent!

It’s officially Advent, wooo! Happy Catholic New Year.

This is probably my favorite time of year because Advent embodies the paradoxical tension of living in the both/and so well.

Both the hope that Christ will come again and the importance of repenting and penance, and being ready for His coming.

Think about it: If Christ came back tomorrow, would you be ready for Him?

Advent is a season filled with so much anticipation, excitement, and longing for our Lord. Not only do we get to celebrate the day Jesus was born, but we also get to celebrate His second coming.

Annnd Advent is also a time to pray, reflect, and examine one’s heart…Advent is a time to ask the Lord for forgiveness and repent.

Advent is a time to turn our hearts back to the Lord.

One of my favorite family traditions is the lighting of the candles on the Advent wreath because it reminds me of how God came into this world to conquer death and to cast out darkness, and God invites us to walk out of the darkness and into the light with Him.

“I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.” John 12:46

Each candle represents hope, peace, joy (pink candle), and love. The candles not only symbolize Jesus bringing light into the world (which is such a powerful reminder), but the lighting of each candle every week also invites us to prepare our hearts during Advent.

For the first week of Advent, the candle that is lit represents hope. Ask yourself, where is the Lord inviting me to bring more hope into my heart and into my life?

For the second week of Advent, the candle that is list represents peace. Ask yourself, where is the Lord inviting me to bring more peace into my heart and into my life?

For the third week of Advent, the candle that is lit represents joy. Ask yourself, where is the Lord inviting me to bring more joy into my heart and into my life?

For the fourth week of Advent, the candle that is lit represents love. Ask yourself, where is the Lord inviting me to bring more love into my heart and into my life?

As your journey with the Lord this Advent, I encourage you to invite the Lord into the hidden, dark places of your heart. Bring your pain, your questions, your fears, your doubts to Him.

God can handle it. And most of all, remember that God loves you just as you are. He’s ready to meet you exactly where you are and welcome you with open arms.

Advent is also a great time to go to confession. I encourage you to find a church near you to receive healing and freedom that can only come from the sacrament of confession.

Masstimes.org is a great resource to find a church near you. Once you input your zip code, you can search for churches that offer confession in your area (you can adjust this setting on the top right side; see screenshot below).

May you experience a blessed and fruitful Advent. May you get to experience the Lord’s unconditional love in a deeper and more intimate way in your heart this Advent season.

God bless you!