There is nothing quite like feeling the blissful agony of anticipation in the wake of something thrilling. To feel an almost unendurable excitement! The season of Advent is a time of profound joyful anticipation for the incarnation of the Savior of the world. It is a season of unyielding hope, marked by a longing for the fulfillment of God’s promises and a deep sense of preparation for the coming of the Lord.

In the midst of our anticipation of Jesus’s birth, it is so easy to get distracted during the Christmas season. With every store shelf displaying full Christmas decor beginning as early as October, it is no surprise we can oftentimes get caught up in the excitement of Christmas, that we forget what it is that we are truly waiting for. Although the Advent season is celebratory, it is crucial for us to remember who and what we are celebrating. In our daily lives, anticipation can carry mixed emotions: excitement intertwined with uncertainty. Yet, Advent teaches us that the anticipation of Christ’s birth is purely joyful, because it is anchored in the steadfast faithfulness of God.

Joyful anticipation during December is not just about counting down to Christmas Day. It is about allowing the presence of Christ to transform our hearts, so that His peace, hope, and joy might radiate through us. As we wait for the birth of our Savior, let us try to turn our anticipation into participation. Pray and reflect on scriptures, specifically the accounts of Christ’s coming; prepare yourself is to open your heart to his Grace through the Sacrament of Reconciliation; serve others in your community during this Advent season. As we are filled with joyful anticipation during this Christmas season, may our waiting be filled with the jubilation of knowing that God’s love, made visible in Jesus, is coming to dwell among us.