Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we welcome a new contributor, Julia. Having lived all her life believing in the gods of ‘me, myself and I’; she was able to achieve her desires for material possessions, rewards that she thought would bring happiness and joy. Yet, they always left her with an emptiness and ache for more.
However, God never stopped extending his invitation for a home in Him and when she finally said ‘Yes’ to His Love, she felt a peace that was completely new.
Her faith journey hasn’t always been easy, but she has been blessed with a wonderful Christian community who keeps picking her up and pulling her forward. Attending the Conversion Experience Retreat #75 was another milestone in her journey to healing and acceptance of His Grace.
1st Sunday of Advent
Isa 2:1-5
Rm 13:11-14
Mt 24:37-44
…the night is almost over, it will be daylight soon…
Brothers and sisters, today marks the first Sunday of Advent in Year A — the beginning of a new liturgical year for Christians. What does Advent actually mean? The Cambridge dictionary defines it as the beginning of an event or the arrival of a person.
The arrival of our Lord Jesus Christ indeed is a new beginning, being the advent of God’s plan for humanity’s salvation through the incarnation of God in human form, in his son Jesus. Such a complex sentence and even more profound implications. The beginning of Christian salvation — how do we prepare for the Son of Man ‘coming at an hour you do not expect’ (Mt 24:44)?
Like the coming of spring, we prepare by cleaning up messes in our life — people we have hurt, friends and family that have wronged us. Christmas is the best time to reach out to mend fences, because only having done so can we bring joy and peace to those we love and, ultimately, ourselves.
In shouldering our daily crosses, we put on the Lord Jesus Christ (Rm 13:14) by being more charitable, forgiving and loving to our neighbours, colleagues, family. We give more generously of our time, money and effort at church, work and at home.
Advent is ultimately a season of preparation, not just for the arrival of our Lord Jesus Christ at his birth but, most importantly, for his arrival in the future — the where and when we do not know. We wait with joyful hope and anticipation as the night is almost over, as it will be daylight soon.
Lastly, the prophet Isaiah gives a picture of all nations coming to God’s mountain to learn His ways. Indeed, the image of Jesus — perfection without sin — is His Way. Our Lord’s desire is for us to wake up and live as people of the light — Light of the World. Then, only then, can we loudly proclaim, “Let us go to the house of the Lord” and “for the sake of our families and friends, let us say Peace upon you.”
(Today’s OXYGEN by Julia Lim)
Prayer: Come Lord Jesus, come! Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, we who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!’ Amen. — – Henri J.M. Nouwen
Thanksgiving: God of Love, this beautiful Advent, as we prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ, let each act of charity be for your glory, let our voices sing your praises and our hearts be filled with thanksgiving, joy and hope. Thank you for this wonderful season of family and friends — both on earth and in heaven.
OXYGEN 
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