But there is something more going on in this season. The Holy Spirit is speaking to us day after day; the very reason for this season. The Spirit brings the message of Jesus who makes all things new so that the shadows do not dominate our lives. We hear the message of hope in the midst of the shadows of life.

When we light the candles of the Advent season, we become the messages of hope, peace, joy and love. We live with anticipation, and waiting, waiting and watching. We anticipate the coming of Jesus. This is the significance of Advent and Christmas. This is why it is the happiest time of the year. Jesus is coming to your heart and is a special friend to your house. Jesus has come and will come again! In His coming, hope is reborn in us. So we wait and we watch and we invest our love in Christ!

The good Shepherd has a message upon which the Shepherd wants His flock to chew. There is a lesson to be learned for this season and the future. Jesus coming dispels the shadows with the glory of God. Jesus shares this with His disciples because that is not only a truth for the end of time, but it is a truth for the time in which we live and forever. Jesus’ coming is greater than the shadows of life. Wait and watch!

We may feel like we are dominated by the shadows of disease, death, violence and sickness. Jesus Christ is the healer who makes us whole again. We have confidence the seasons of the year will change. In a similar way, we take note of the gathering shadows—and hope in the mystery of our faith. The shadows don’t spark fear. They nurture confidence for we believe Emmanuel is with us! 

We do not know the hour, for it is every hour. But we are to watch, be on guard, and alert! There is a message of good news in the shadows. Jesus speaks it. Does anyone need to hear it? What I say to you, I say to everyone: “Watch!”