Christmas comes commercially earlier and earlier each year. In a devotional sense it only comes on to our horizon with the beginning of Advent. It's a belated preparation for the visit of God perhaps. Indeed visiting family, friends and neighbours is probably a less practiced art in today's "we-surf-the-world-wide-web-but-don't-know-who-lives-next-door" type world. Still for any expected visit, there is preparation. A quick wipe, hoover and clean and all is ready.
So, it seems a bit strange that we begin preparing for Christ's birth and a new Church Year by meeting the adult Christ reminding of the second coming at the end of time. In terms of a "positive Gospel" today's Gospel is not the happiest. And yet, the message to be alert is relevant.
After all, leaders of any groups will admit that waiting is the biggest enemy in keeping a group of people focused and alert for the impending task. With the best will, attention and standards will fall.
Over the coming weeks, we carry out time-honoured traditions. Customs that link us with our past and our future and reinforces our family's personality. Many are the voices, not least of children, which will remind that we haven't done something yet. Today we listen to the divine voice telling us not to lose sight of what's ultimately important. It's an Advent attitude.
(Comments to Tom at tomascox@eircom.net )