For the week

We have begun the season of Advent. The word Advent is Latin for ‘Come’ and so Advent helps us prepare for the coming of Jesus.

Of course, today the great focus is to prepare for the celebration of Jesus’s birth at Christmas – when he first came into the world. However, this is only part of the story.

The church also asks us to prepare for the second coming of Jesus when he will return in glory and power at the end of time. If Jesus was unrecognised as God when he first came, everyone will recognise who Jesus truly is when he returns.

What the end will be like, no one knows.

When Jesus talked about his return in power and glory, he described it through imagery. However, he did insist that when it happens, we are to stand tall with our heads held high because our liberation will be at hand.

When Jesus returns, good will have definitively triumphed over evil with sin and suffering unknown in heaven. Through God’s love we will achieve our destiny as human beings.

Every individual will be perfectly loved and fulfilled. This reveals that each of our lives has a meaning and purpose. This good news should encourage us all.

It should also inspire us to prepare for Jesus’s return by opening our hearts to him today. Have a blessed Advent.