Advent means coming. Like parousia, it often refers to the Second Coming of Jesus to the earth. We focus on His coming as the Babe and as the Bridegroom, the kid and the King, the infant and the Infinite.
But what of our coming to him?
I use purple as the liturgical color for Advent because I believe it calls us to move toward Him as well. Many have moved to the royal blue and away from the penitential purple. But, like John the Baptizer, Advent cries out, "Prepare ye the way of the LORD! Make straight paths." Advent demands we level the way, lowering the lofty and lifting the low. Roughed up people and relationships need smoothing. Advent calls us to work at ushering in the Coming One, walk the way of preparation and watch for His approach.
James teaches that if we "draw near to God, He will draw near to you." The Gospel empowers us to be workers together with God in advancing His kingdom. Our participation is a privilege. God invites us as persons of will to journey with Him in this path of reconciliation. But we could never reach Him if He were not reaching for us. He doen't do this to us, but in cooperation with us.
In the din of voices crying, "Buy!" "Sale! Sale! Sale!" there is one clarion call.
"Prepare the way..."
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