This morning, as I opened my Advent calendar, I found… a flashlight. My first thought was, “Finally, something practical!” Flashlights are lifesavers when the power goes out, aren’t they? But only if they’re working. We’ve all had that moment when you grab a flashlight in the dark, click the switch, and… nothing. Dead batteries. And suddenly, you’re fumbling around in the shadows, wishing you’d checked it earlier.
 I tried a couple of years, for the entire season of Advent, I decided to stop using electric lights in the rectory. Instead, I used candles and, occasionally, a flashlight. It was a bit of a challenge, especially as the days grew darker earlier. Walking around with a flashlight in my own house made me feel like I was sneaking into someone else’s! I wonder if the neighbors thought I was being robbed!
 
But here’s what struck me: that experience of navigating in the dim glow of a candle or flashlight gave me a new appreciation for Advent. It made me long for light—not just physical light, but the light of Christ. And let me tell you, when Christmas came, and I finally turned the lights back on, it was spectacular.
 
Advent is like living by candlelight or flashlight. It’s a time of waiting, watching, and staying awake, knowing that the fullness of light—Christ Himself—is coming. Today’s Advent calendar item, a flashlight, reminds us of our spiritual light—the light of faith, hope, and love that Jesus places in each of us. But here’s the question Advent asks: Is my spiritual light burning? Or have the batteries run low?
 Advent is like a spiritual battery check. It’s a time to reflect on whether our faith is bright enough to guide us through the darkness. It’s not about guilt or anxiety; it’s about hope and preparation. We’re getting ready to celebrate Christ’s first coming at Christmas, and we’re also staying vigilant for His return in glory. But just like with a flashlight, staying ready takes effort.
 
In today’s first reading, Isaiah gives us this powerful image of a strong city with walls and gates that only the faithful can enter. It’s a reminder that trust in the Lord is our eternal foundation. And in the Gospel, Jesus takes it further: He warns us not to just say we believe, but to live it. Faith without action, He says, is like building a house on sand. When the storms come—and they always do—it collapses.
 
Think of your faith like that flashlight. It’s great to own one, but it’s useless if it’s not ready. You need solid batteries, just like you need a solid foundation in Christ. And here’s the good news: Jesus doesn’t ask us to shine perfectly on our own. He provides the power—we just have to stay connected to Him through prayer, Scripture, and the sacraments.
 How do we keep our spiritual flashlight burning this Advent?
 

• Check your batteries. What fuels your faith? Are you making time for prayer, even just a few quiet minutes a day? Are you turning to Scripture to hear God’s voice?
• Clear away the clutter. A flashlight is no good if it’s buried in a junk drawer. What distractions are keeping you from being ready for Christ? Maybe it’s busyness, negativity, or too much focus on material things.
• Be a light for others. Jesus didn’t say, “Hide your light under a basket.” Just as a flashlight helps others find their way, your faith can inspire and guide those around you.

 Jesus’ parable today invites us to examine our foundations. Are we building our lives on the solid rock of His love and truth, or are we settling for the shifting sands of worldly priorities? Advent is our chance to refocus, recharge, and prepare—not just for Christmas, but for the joy of meeting Christ whenever He comes.
 
So, as you go about your day, think of that flashlight. Is your spiritual light burning brightly? If it’s flickering, don’t worry—Advent is the perfect time to recharge. And when the storms come, you’ll be ready, shining with a light that no darkness can overcome. Amen.