A few weeks ago, I stumbled across an article about a “unique” Advent calendar. For those unfamiliar, Advent calendars are a tradition where, each day leading to Christmas, you open a small door to reveal a treat—maybe chocolate, a small toy, or a Scripture verse. It’s a simple way to count down the days and build excitement for the celebration of Christ’s birth. I haven’t used an Advent calendar since I was a kid, but the idea caught my attention. I decided to give it a try, partly because I thought it might inspire some reflections to share with you in the bulletin, at Mass, or on our parish website. Advent is such a rich and meaningful season, and I wanted to journey with you in a way that felt tangible. So, with Thanksgiving still a week away, I sat down and opened the first door.
It was empty.
I’ll admit, I was a little disappointed. But then I chuckled at the irony: here I was, jumping ahead before Advent even began, and I was met with emptiness. Yet, that empty door stirred something in me. It seemed to echo the heart of Advent itself: a season where we create space—sometimes even empty space—for Christ to fill.
The Meaning of Advent For us as Catholics, Advent is far more than a countdown to Christmas. It is a season with profound spiritual depth, marking the beginning of the Church’s liturgical year. The General Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar describe Advent as a time of “devout and joyful expectation” that prepares us to celebrate Christ’s birth while also directing our hearts toward His Second Coming.
Advent reminds us that our lives are lived in the tension of “already” and “not yet.” Christ has already come, born in Bethlehem to redeem us, yet we still await His return in glory. This tension calls us to pause and ask ourselves: are we ready to meet Him?
The Church’s liturgical practices guide us in this preparation. At Mass, you’ll notice changes: the Gloria is omitted, floral decorations are simpler, and the color purple fills the sanctuary. Purple reminds us of two things. First, it’s a royal color, pointing to the coming of Christ the King. Second, it signifies repentance—not as somber as Lent’s penitence, but as a quiet, hopeful turning of our hearts toward God.
Advent is a season of hope—not a fleeting or superficial hope, but a hope rooted in God’s promises. It calls us to active waiting, a preparation that shapes our hearts and lives as we anticipate the coming of our Savior.
The Gospel’s Call to Vigilance That empty Advent calendar door reminded me of how often I’ve found myself halfway through Advent before realizing it began. Life’s busyness can so easily distract us from the sacred. But this season invites us to vigilance—not out of fear, but out of love.
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus warns us, “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy… Be vigilant at all times and pray.” Christ understands how quickly worries, tasks, and anxieties can dull our awareness of His presence. Advent urges us to wake up, to stay attentive to God’s action in our lives.
Vigilance is a discipline, and it requires intentionality. It means setting aside time for prayer, being attentive to the needs of others, and keeping our hearts open to the unexpected ways God may enter our lives.
This first week of Advent invites us to ask: are we spiritually awake? Are we creating space in our hearts for Christ? Are we beginning, like my Advent calendar, empty? Or are we full of so many other things that we are distracted and unaware? Journeying Together in Hope This Advent, I invite you to journey with me as I open my Advent calendar each day. What will I find behind the doors? Will it be empty again, or will it hold a surprise? Each day, I’ll share a brief reflection on our parish website about what I discover—both in the calendar and in my heart.
These reflections are meant to help us stay spiritually awake, preparing not just for Christmas but for every moment when Christ comes into our lives. As we open the doors of this season together, let’s ask ourselves: how can we respond to God’s invitation this Advent?
When we encounter an empty space—whether it’s a moment of silence, a missed opportunity, or even a disappointment—can we see it not as a failure but as an invitation? Empty spaces remind us to listen, to wait, and to make room for Christ. A Prayer for the Journey This week, let’s pray together: “Come, Lord Jesus.” Let this simple prayer light our hearts, guide our steps, and keep us awake to the hope and joy of His coming.
May this Advent be a time of joyful anticipation for all of us. Let’s stay vigilant, prepare our hearts, and walk together toward the celebration of Christmas, trusting that Christ’s presence will bring redemption, peace, and joy to our world.
Let’s open the doors of this season—one by one—and see how God surprises us along the way.