Advent Reflection

24 December 2007

Father Robert King, Chaplain to the University of Bristol, has recorded a special reflection for Advent.

Your can listen to Father Robert’s podcast in the multimedia panel on the right.  The text of his reflection can be found below.  

As Advent expectancy prepares to turn into Christmas joy our hopes and sense of anticipation are heightened. We invest so much of ourselves into creating the perfect day and season. An investment that is both human and spiritual. We recognise our desire for joy, peace and reconciliation - if only for a day. Yet such high levels of expectancy can lead to disappointment. As the adage warns: we can't see the wood for the trees. Hope can be dashed if we are too restless to enjoy the season.

Advent is the time when we look forward to Christ's return. A time when we recognise that while our salvation is begun it is yet to be completed. Christ has already become one like us. While we rejoice that Christ has humbled himself to share in our humanity we accept the invitation to share in his divinity. As we await his return, the passing of this world to the fullness of the Kingdom of God, we are called to imitate his example as disciples embracing holiness.

The Gospel challenges us to look for signs of the Kingdom. Experiences of Christ to touch and transform our hearts. Empowering us to share in his prophetic ministry by proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God.

If staying awake and being alert to the signs of the Kingdom is the challenge of Advent, taking a moment to enjoy the presence of God is our Christmas task. Allowing the scales to fall from our eyes to experience the beauty and hope of the incarnation is what we are about.

May our hearts be open to grace as we take our place with the shepherds to marvel in awe at God's presence.