Acronym for ADVENT

Advent Wreath, a meaningful Catholic  tradition.  Source

Yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent-- from the Latin word Adventus meaning "coming."  And  I had the privilege  to hear the sharing of a family friend on what to her " advent" stands for. 

A:  answering God's call
D:  discipleship (to listen and learn)
V:  vision (to see what He wills)
E:  evangelizatiion (to undergo personal conversion and to help others receive the same grace)
N:  newness (to welcome change)
T:  task ( to be moved to action)

My take away is that each one of us is called to prepare beyond the customary trimmings and practices  during the  Christmas season.

I am  reminded of  a play from my high school,  it was entitled "The Heart is a Manger."

May Christmas find our hearts  uncluttered-- like an almost empty manger--  ready to receive the greatest Gift of all.