Advent reminds us of the greatest joy of Christmas, God’s gift of His Son. It prompts us on the message that brings hope to a suffering world. It is one of the most awaited season where amazing things do happen. It can trigger the start of a transformation, restore severed relationships, and settle differences amicably. It can further result in mistakes rectified, healing experienced, forgiveness granted, challenges hurdled, doubts and anxieties conquered, dreams realized, uncertainties settled, peace attained, blessings shared and many more.
Entering into the 10th month of this pandemic, with still no assurance of the immediate availability of the vaccine, the fear, anxiety and pessimism that it brought to the entire world has created a bleak atmosphere. We worry about the future, much so to those who lost their jobs and livelihood. The recent powerful typhoons that came one after the other have all the more made life miserable to so many.
But thanks be to God that in spite of the chaos and tragedy that these misfortunes have caused, it nevertheless still leaves us much reason to hope. The perfect timing of the Advent Season brings us to a much needed respite from our usual worries and fears, a time to rest on God’s assurance in Phil 4:7 “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”
In his message during the Angelus on the first Sunday of Advent, Pope Francis said that “Advent is a continuous call to hope” and concluded his message by saying “the Lord never abandons us; He accompanies us through the events of our lives to help us discern the meaning of the journey…In the midst of life storms, God always extends His hand to us and frees us from threats”.
Let us thank God for the gift of Advent where we are redirected to the true source of joy, Jesus Christ! This is a time to refocus and rally our energies to once again hope and dream for a better tomorrow.
From the CFC Migrants Program, we wish you all a meaningful Christmas and a blissful New Year!