We begin today the season of Advent. Advent also leads us to the great event that God became flesh and shared our human story. It points to our present life when Christ comes to give meaning to our endeavors as we encounter him in the proclamation of the word, in the sacraments and, above all, through the inspiring action of his Spirit. And it looks forward to the future when the Son of man will appear at the end to time. We express the meaning of Advent when we proclaim at Mass, right after the consecration, ‘’Christ has died, Christ is risen, and Christ will come again.’’ This is the mystery of our faith: Christ died to crown his incarnation with perfect obedience, he rose again to be for ever present in our lives, he will come again to bring to perfection God’s plan for humanity and the whole of creation.  Advent characteristically brings the past and keeps its joyful remembrance into the present. The presence of God in us keeps us alive. Advent keeps our hopes high as we look forward to the final fulfillment of God’s plan in the future. Since Advent is a time of preparation, what keeps us focused during the season is the element of ‘’waiting’’. But what is it that we await? Why do we keep watch? Yearning coupled with dedication to one’s charge is the kind of ‘’watch’’ that Jesus asks of us in the gospel. But how does one remain alert, watchful and ready to move when one realizes that no one knows when the Son of Man will return!  The answer is to keep a sharp edge on our enthusiasm. Life is like Advent. Waiting is part of it. We can pray to God but God is not to be buried in the hustle and bustle of our life. Remember that what we are asking for is a gift and to receive it we need to wait patiently and perseveringly.