As the Season of Christmas is now upon us, we bid goodbye to the Season of Advent. The very word “Advent” comes from the Latin “Adventus,” meaning “coming” or “arrival.” Many theologians have referred to the Season of Advent as a “mini- Lent.” There are some similarities there, and I invite you to meditate upon them. Indeed, that “arrival” aspect of Advent is now among us all. We both commemorate and celebrate the arrival of the Lord Jesus, who is the Christ. We celebrate him coming among us! This is the very definition of “Emmanuel.”

But it seems to me that we have, or at least should have, a “mini-Advent” every single week. Just as the Season of Advent can be viewed as a “mini-Lent,” each and every week can be a kind of “mini-Advent.” We should look forward to the arrival of the Christ in our midst when we receive the Holy Eucharist – – – the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus. It is my belief that reception of the Holy Eucharist happens to have a solid parallel with the seasons of Advent and Christmas. As I have pointed out, each week can become for us a “mini-Advent.” And each time we receive the Holy Eucharist we get to enjoy a bit of a “mini-Christmas.” The second person of the Holy Trinity enters into our lives. Emmanuel – – – God with us. And upon reception of the Holy Eucharist, God is with us! Or more accurately, Jesus now enters into us.

What do I do with that presence? As Saint Thomas Aquinas put it: “The bread of angels becomes the bread of men.” It is up to me, through prayer, supplication, penance and positive Christ-like actions, to invoke the presence of the Christ within me. In decreasing periods of time on the calendar, we go from the Season of Lent to the Season of Advent to week-long preparation for reception of Jesus the Christ into our very being.

To repeat my previous question: what do I do with that Divine Presence in my life? And more to the point of this little article, what do you do with the Divine presence in YOUR life? I pray that you will try to look upon the Season of Advent just passed as a “mini-Lent.” And at each passing week as a “mini-Advent.” And at the reception of the Holy Eucharist as a form of Christmas. Give it an honest and meditative try. My prayer for all of you is that this process will have a positive effect on how you become more reflective of the presence of Jesus in your day to day life. It has mine!