Dear brothers and sisters,
This month, we celebrate Advent and ends with Christmas! As we enter the month of December, it is natural that our thoughts turn to the joyous time of Christmas. When we drive past shopping malls, there would be the Christmas trees with decorations and lights. And it seems that our Catholic Churches are slow to put up Christmas decorations inside the church or the compound. Why is this so?
1. First Coming of Christ is on a silent night when Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem more than 2000 years ago.
2. Final Coming of Jesus will be at end of the world when Christ the King will come in glory to judge the living and the dead.
3. In between the Birth and Final Coming. Whenever we gather to pray in His name, Jesus is present (Matthew 18:20). In every Mass, Jesus is really present in the form of Bread and Wine on the Altar.
During Advent season, the first three Weeks of Advent is an invitation to prepare for the final coming of Christ. The focus is on “Staying awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen and to stand with confidence when the Son of Man comes again” on Judgement Day! (Read Luke 21:34-36). This is a waiting with joy and hope, not in fear. “At that time all people will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:27-28).
It is only in the final week of Advent on 17-24 December that we prepare to celebrate the First Coming in Bethlehem at Christmas. This is why during this final week, Churches set up Christmas trees, carolling begins and we are invited to turn our focus to celebrate the birth of our Saviour.
Throughout the season of Advent, we prepare our hearts:
- Pray at all times
- Read the Bible daily especially the Gospel
- Strive to be at a right relationship with God and those around us
- Watch our hearts’ desire by seeking God’s will
- Seek to live according to Christ’s command of love
- Repent from sin and selfishness
- Serve with a sincere heart, always desiring the good of others
- Forgive those who are unkind to us and pray for those who hurt us
- Bear sickness and suffering patiently, offering these as a sacrifice to God
- Be less materialistic and seek to live a simple lifestyle
- Seek not to waste food and protect the environment
- Trust that Jesus’ coming will bring life, hope and joy
- Give Time, Talent and Treasure generously to alleviate suffering and poverty
I pray that by faithfully waiting and journeying through the four Sundays of Advent, you may experience four weeks of HOPE, PEACE, JOY and LOVE. Wishing you a Holy Christmas 2021 and Blessed New Year 2022.
“Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth, peace to all people of goodwill.” (Luke 2:14)
+ Archbishop Simon Poh
You may also read Archbishop Simon Poh’s Christmas Message in English, Chinese and BM here.
