Occasionally I imagine what it would be like to meet Jesus in person. I see him standing before me, in his tunic which was “seamless, woven in one piece from the top.” (John 19:23) I realize that I am unable to speak, and so we face each other in silence. Jesus fixes me with a steady, loving expression. Eventually he asks me a question. 

Last Sunday was the first Sunday in the season of Advent. The word Advent is from the Latin word adventus which is a translation of the Greek word parousia, which refers to the second coming of Christ. In preparation for Christ’s coming, we acknowledge our faults and failings, and ask for God’s forgiveness. Advent is thus a penitential season. The color of worship - e.g. altar frontals, priest’s robes - changes from green to purple (or blue in some Episcopal churches). 

Advent is a time of waiting. The French author Simone Weil once wrote that “waiting patiently in expectation is the foundation of the spiritual life.” This waiting is not like sitting in a reception room in a doctor’s office, but more a turning to God in hope. It is a time to prepare for Jesus by giving attention to the shape of your heart.

If you have no definite plan for Advent, I recommended the practice of setting aside five or ten minutes each day for prayerful reading and reflection. An ideal place to start would be the Book of Psalms. Read slowly psalm 23, then try 42, 139 or my favorite psalm 119. Allow time for silence: while God listens to our prayers, we must learn also to listen to him. 

Now, what about that question of Jesus? What would be the first thing he asks me? “Tell me all the things you have done?” He knows already. “Can I show you the list of your sins?” I don’t think he has enough time for that. Actually, the first question he might ask me is, “How have you changed?” 

God is interested in us for many reasons. For the good works we have done, although not exclusively, since gaining salvation is “not the result of works.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) For the lives we have touched, and those we have helped. (Matthew 25:34-40) For our courage in witnessing to Christ in our lives (Matthew 10:32). Above all, God is interested in us simply because he loves us. 

When we talk about growing in faith, what we mean is to change from within. The aim of our Christian life is to become more Christ-like. We can compare ourselves to a rose bush. To facilitate healthy growth, the rose bush needs to be pruned of the dead and weak canes that sap energy and stifle the growth of healthy blooms and branches. Removing them allows air to circulate; further judicious pruning achieves a pleasing shape to the plant. In the same way, when you commit yourself to following Jesus, you undertake to cut out the unhealthy attitudes and practices that oppose your growth in Christian love, in order to become more like Christ.

How have you changed? Have you given your life fully to the God who “leads you in the paths of uprightness” (Proverbs 4:11) and “knows what you need before you ask him?” (Matthew 6:8) To be ready for Jesus when he comes you must be someone who prays, sincere in your intention to change, not only for the salvation of your soul but for the benefit of enjoying a close relationship with God. 

As you wait for the coming of Christ, make Advent a time of renewal and preparation. Among the noise and bustle of these coming weeks, take time to be with God in prayer, and open your heart to him.

Father David