As we enter the sacred season of Advent, the Church’s liturgy calls us to profound spiritual awakening. The readings for the First Sunday of Advent—Romans 13:11-14 and Luke 21:25-33—resound with urgency, inviting us to prepare for both the commemoration of Christ’s Nativity and His glorious return at the end of time. This dual focus, so central to Advent, is enriched by the wisdom of the Church Fathers, who remind us of the eternal significance of this holy season.
Romans 13:11-14: The Call to Wakefulness
St. Paul exhorts us in Romans 13:11-14: “It is now the hour for you to awake from sleep, for our salvation is nearer than when we first believed” (Rom 13:11). This passage calls to mind the spiritual drowsiness that can creep into our souls, lulling us into complacency. The Apostle’s words are both a warning and a promise: the night of sin and darkness is ending, and the dawn of Christ’s light is at hand.
St. Augustine, reflecting on this passage, writes in The Confessions:
“Too late have I loved You, O Beauty ever ancient, ever new. Too late have I loved You! You called and cried out to me; You shattered my deafness; You flashed, You shone, and You dispelled my blindness.”
Augustine sees in Paul’s call to cast off the works of darkness the grace of conversion, which draws us to put on the “armor of light”—Christ Himself. Advent is our time to shed the garments of sin and clothe ourselves in the virtues of Christ, preparing our souls as a worthy dwelling for the Savior.
St. John Chrysostom adds depth to this call, emphasizing that the Christian must not merely avoid sin but actively pursue virtue:
“To put on Christ is not only to clothe oneself with the appearance of virtue but to enter into the very life of Christ, making His love, humility, and obedience our own.”
Thus, the Advent call is not passive but dynamic, urging us to an active renewal of our faith and deeds.
Luke 21:25-33: Signs of Hope and Vigilance
In the Gospel reading, Jesus speaks of apocalyptic signs: “There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars… when these things begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand” (Luke 21:25, 28). While the imagery is striking, it is not meant to instill fear but to inspire hope and vigilance.
St. Ambrose interprets these signs as reminders of the transient nature of the world and the permanence of God’s Word:
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. What greater consolation can there be than to know that Christ, the Word of God, remains steadfast amidst all changes?”
Ambrose invites us to focus on the enduring promises of Christ rather than the upheavals of the temporal world.
Likewise, St. Cyril of Alexandria reflects on the posture of raising one’s head amid turmoil:
“To lift up our heads is to look beyond earthly trials and fix our gaze on the eternal glory promised to us in Christ.”
This call to vigilance resonates with the Advent theme of readiness. Just as we prepare our homes and hearts for the celebration of Christmas, we are called to prepare spiritually for Christ’s ultimate return.
Living Advent: The Wisdom of the Fathers
The Church Fathers teach that Advent is a season of preparation, repentance, and hope. It is a time to cleanse our souls, deepen our prayer lives, and strengthen our commitment to Christ. St. Gregory the Great, in his homilies, encourages us to view this time as a renewal of the heart:
“Let us not be lulled by the quiet of the present, but let the thought of the coming judgment rouse us to good works and holy living.”
Practical applications of this wisdom might include:
- Daily Examination of Conscience: Reflecting on where we have failed to live as children of the light.
- Increased Prayer and Scripture Reading: Especially meditating on the promises of Christ’s coming.
- Acts of Charity: Sharing Christ’s love with those in need, making tangible our spiritual preparation.
Conclusion: Advent as a Season of Joyful Anticipation
The First Sunday of Advent sets the tone for a journey of joyful anticipation. St. Paul’s call to awake and cast off darkness, paired with Christ’s words of hope and vigilance, remind us that Advent is not merely a remembrance of Christ’s first coming but a preparation for His second. The Church Fathers, with their profound insights, guide us in this journey, encouraging us to live with the expectant joy and readiness that Advent demands.
As we light the first candle on the Advent wreath, let its flame remind us of Christ, the Light of the World, who dispels the darkness of sin and calls us into His marvelous light. With hearts awake and lifted high, let us prepare to welcome Him with love and joy.
“Come, Lord Jesus, and do not delay!” (Rev. 22:20)