Remembering the birth of Jesus Christ and its significance also brings light into the darkness of our lives. Maintaining perspective is so important. Losing track of the horizon seems to be the flaw that cost John Kennedy, Jr. his life. We all lose the horizon sometimes. Our Catholic tradition recognizes cyclical patterns in our spiritual lives.
Advent is the time of longing, awaiting, hoping.
We see the light at the end of the tunnel. God has made promises and will keep them. Today may be difficult, but tommorow holds a new promise. Entering into the Advent season through prayer, meditation on the Scripture, and preparing our hearts for Christ is not just something nice to do. It's not just a tradition to be acknowledged in a token way.