Advent is one of the most profound and meaningful seasons of the Church’s liturgical year. Marked by silence, watchfulness and a joy that slowly unfolds, it invites us to prepare our hearts to welcome Jesus — the God who comes to meet us. It is a time in which hope is renewed, not as an abstract idea, but as a living certainty: God enters history and transforms it with the power of His love.
Hope That Illuminates Our Waiting
To “wait” during Advent does not mean simply letting time pass, but keeping our hearts awake so we can recognize the signs of God’s presence in our daily lives. Christian hope is born from faith in a God who keeps His promises, who walks with us, and who, in the fullness of time, became a Child to illuminate humanity with His tenderness.
In this sense, Advent teaches us to look at the world with realism, without ignoring its wounds, but without allowing them to extinguish our trust in God’s love. Hope lifts our gaze and helps us recognize that the light is approaching, even when everything seems covered in darkness.
Advent: An Inner Journey and a Call to Renewal
This liturgical season is also an invitation to conversion. Each Sunday, the readings awaken in us watchfulness, prayer and joy. Making room for God requires silence, listening and a willingness to transform whatever needs to be renewed.
The candles of the Advent wreath, lit week after week, symbolize this gradual journey toward the light: where there is shadow, Christ desires to bring hope; where there is discouragement, He brings courage; where there are wounds, He offers healing and consolation.
The Spirituality of Advent in the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
For the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Advent is a privileged time to deepen trust in the Heart of Christ, an inexhaustible source of tenderness and mercy. The mystery of the Incarnation is the fullness of love that draws near, love that becomes small so that we may be lifted up.
In our communities, ministries and missions across various countries, we strive to witness that hope is possible. In every encounter, every act of service, kindness or listening, we desire to show that Christ continues to be born in history, through the love we give and the love we receive.
Mary, Woman of Advent and Model of Hope
During Advent, Mary is our great companion on the journey. In her, we contemplate steadfast hope, serene trust and the ability to welcome mystery even without understanding everything at once. Mary teaches us that true hope is born from docility to the Holy Spirit and from confidence that God always fulfills His promises.
Walking with Hope Toward Christmas
Advent prepares us to celebrate Christmas not as a simple emotional holiday, but as a transforming encounter with Emmanuel, God-with-us. May this season awaken in us the desire to make the world more luminous, more just and more fraternal.
May each of us live this holy season with a vigilant, trusting and open heart, ready to welcome Christ so that hope may be renewed in our families, our communities and all humanity.
“The Lord is coming: let us remain awake and filled with hope.”
