Advent was coined from the Latin word, ‘Adventus,’ meaning ‘coming’ or ‘arrival’. Advent is a season of preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth at Christmas and anticipate His return. Simply put, it’s a time for preparing one’s heart to welcome Jesus. BETTY AMUKPO puts forward the question: How prepared are you to welcome Baby Jesus? Some children respond thus:
‘Repenting and turning away from sins’
Advent is the season that begins the Liturgical Year and this season is marked by devout and joyful expectation as we recall the first humble coming of the Lord at Bethlehem. At the same time, we are invited to direct our minds and hearts towards Christ’s final coming in glory at the end of time. I’m to prepare the way for his entry into my heart as my Saviour by repenting and turning away from sins. The new manger is my Heart and I must keep it clean for Jesus to dwell. Come Lord Jesus, I’m ready!
• MaryPeace Oche
‘Being kind to others; helping those in need’
“I am preparing to welcome Baby Jesus by praying, being kind to others, and helping those in need, just as John the Baptist said, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord’ (Matthew 3:3). I also remember Mary’s trust in God (Luke 1:38) and aim to be ready like her.”
• Ogoke Chimamanda Anthonia
‘Reading the Bible, and being kind to others’
Christmas is just around the corner! It’s a time to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. To be honest, I haven’t been preparing myself spiritually for the birth of Jesus. I’ve been so caught up with school and other activities that I forgot to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. But it’s not too late! I promise to start preparing myself by reading the Bible, praying, and being kind to others. I’ll also try to reduce my screen time and focus on spending quality time with my family and friends. I know that Baby Jesus deserves the best, and I want to make sure I’m ready to celebrate His birth with a pure heart and mind.
• Blossom Akalezi
‘I have planned to attend carols, singing songs of praise for His welcome’
To me, Christmas is a social and spiritual event. As I prepare to celebrate with family and friends, I am preparing a room in my heart to receive Baby Jesus this advent season, starting with our parish retreat; since Our Lord is coming to be with us (Matt 1 vs 24). I am aware that there are four advent candles with distinct significance. The first represents hope, the second peace, the third joy and the fourth love. I have planned to attend carols, singing songs of praise for His welcoming, filled with hope, peace, joy, and love.
• Adeosun Sarah
‘Making sure that my heart is clean’
I am preparing for Jesus’ coming by humbling myself in the things that concerns God’s, encouraging one another, making sure that my heart is clean to welcome Him most especially, remembering the poor, doing the good work Jesus left us to do and living as if today is the day our Lord Jesus is coming. Matthew 24:42…Says, “Stay alert because you do not know the day your Lord Jesus Christ will come.” We have to be ready for the Son of Man is coming at an hour we do not expect.
• Umennadi Francis Chibunna
‘Participate fully in Advent programme’
Advent is the season we prepare for the coming of Jesus. I’m fully prepared for the coming of Baby Jesus by turning away from sins, (Luke 3:5-6) reflecting on the love of God, (John 3:16), participate fully in all the Advent programmes of my parish, give to those in need. Jesus must find my heart ready and clean, so that he can dwell in it. Advent is a period to show love, because it was God himself that first loved us by giving us His beloved son.
• Agbo Josephine
