Advent – from the Latin for “a coming, an approach, or an arrival” – is upon us. This season is more than a sentimental, reminiscent waiting for a new Baby Jesus. The need for adult Christianity and Jesus’ actual message is so urgent that we cannot allow the great feast of Christmas, and its preparation in Advent, to be watered down in any way. The suffering, injustice, and devastation of this planet are too great to settle for an infantile Gospel or Jesus. Jesus taught that “the reign of God” or the “Kingdom of God” asks a great deal of us personally – surrender, simplicity, solidarity with suffering.
- Richard Rhor