Advent Series: In Need of A Savior Day by Day

Interview Series

Photo by Chelsey Shortman

In our Advent series, we discuss with four different Catholic women the importance of entering into each moment, accepting it for what it is and what it is alone. God came into the world not just for one major historical event, but so that He could remain close to us always. 

Usually, Advent is seen as a time to prepare. We begin hanging up all the decorations and participating in all the activities, both religious and not. Many Catholics can even feel compelled to identify major problems, worries, or fears in our lives so that we can give ourselves a reason to enter into this season in a big, meaningful, or dramatic way.

But God is in the everyday. These preparations, if we are not aware, can lead us to lose focus on the importance of recognizing Christ in the moment. Because the truth is, we are in need of a savior day-by-day, moment-by-moment, not just when things are going wrong or when we finally realize we have problems in our lives that we need help facing. Advent can help to remind us of this because it was in one ordinary moment in time when Christ came into the world. As we prepare, we have to remember that we need Him the most right now, and by entering into that, perhaps we might begin to truly consider what it means to anticipate the Savior’s arrival and remain in the joy of that forever.

This interview series was compiled and edited by Ashley A. Hinojosa

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Week 1 - Anticipating the Messiah

Interview with Julia Greenwood

“So this Advent, while awaiting the coming of Jesus Christ with Mary, I am also awaiting – with the disciples – the knowledge of the path that the Lord is calling me to. Together, Mary and the disciples show how to wait – faithfully, trustingly, while also continually preparing to receive Him.”

Week 2 - I Await to Receive the Person of Christ

Interview with Yesy Castillo

“Advent, for me, is a time of reflection and recollection with the hope to prepare for a PERSON rather than just a day. This has really helped my Advent become more intentional. My Christmas is no longer a day but rather a reminder of how my life should be a constant preparation for the Second Coming of our Lord! It’s a game changer.”

Week 3 - Advent as A Journey of Reflection

Interview with Sam Deitschel

“When I was growing up Advent was just another time when the Church switched which color was hanging on the wall and the color the priest wore. Honestly, I was more concerned about making sure I was not left out of blowing out the Advent candles after dinner. However, a few years ago Advent became more than just a changing of colors and blowing out the candles. I realized that Advent was a time for me to prepare my heart to receive Jesus completely.”

Week 4 - My Reasons to Dance and Shout this Advent

Interview with Lisa Archuleta

“It can be incredibly easy to go through the motions of prayer and Mass during a busy time of year. I often find myself going on social media or watching videos instead of prayer so that I can “relax,” however this relaxation always leaves me even more restless and longing for true leisure. Just last year I began being more intentional with my time and actions during Advent. A friend offered some beautiful insight to me saying that ‘while Lent is a time to prepare for the death of Christ, similarly Advent is a time to prepare for the birth of Christ.’”