People act differently at night than they do in the day. In the day we are busy with personal responsibilities, but nights invite relaxation. On some night, we relax too much. Some people let their guard down at night. In the dark we are more prone to commit crime and enter into sin, as if no one can see.

When the hour comes to wake from sleep, we are filled with expectation and remorse. We look forward to the promise of the coming day, but we regret the sins of the past.

Advent is here. The alarm has just gone off. Saint Paul says, “It is the hour now for you to awake from sleep.” Paul is not talking about the dawn of another weekday. He speaks of the dawn of an eternal day. Our salvation is near at hand. The risen Christ longs to enter our hearts and dwell there by faith.

We have to quit acting like it is night. We should behave always as if it were eternal day. Our responsibilities as Christians continue in every circumstance - when we are at work or at play, when we are active or at rest. The faithful Christian remains vigilant at all hours, so that we will be ready for Christ when he comes.

Christ is coming soon. Our salvation is near at hand. Let us spend this Advent doing the deeds of day and avoiding the deeds of darkness.

Written by Paul Turner. Liturgy Training Publications
Copyright 2003, Archdiocese of Chicago