The True Meaning of Advent
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- čas přidán 3. 12. 2019
- What is the best way to prepare for the season of Advent? You’re free to do what you know will help you prepare for Christmas the best. If decorating and so forth does not help you prepare for the coming of Christ, you can be the judge of whether it’s worth doing.
Fr. Mike also wants to remind us that Advent is not just about preparing for Christmas. It’s also about preparing for Christ’s Second Coming. One day we will meet Christ face to face. Advent is the stark reminder that we need to get ready for eternity. With that in mind, what if you prepared as if December 25 will be the day you die?
Have a merry Advent.
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Excellent message! Today is my birthday; I turn 83 years old. My advent calendar is on the wall, and I prepare for the coming of Christ. I was baptized in the Catholic Church as a newborn baby, and then again in a Baptist Church several years later. In preparation of Advent-according to Father Mike’s “true meaning” of same, I will prepare to meet Jesus. I will return to the Catholic Church! Thank you, Father Mike! A month ago I had no knowledge of you. Since listening to your sermons, the cloud has lifted, and I return to the religion of my youth! Merry Christmas.❤
I wish you the best brother. I was baptized Catholic as a baby too, now I'm 28 and returning to the Church too! After listening to Father Mike's video here, I recognize its important I stop putting off my first confession. Merry Christmas!
This is divine intervention Arlene, I’m so happy for you!
I ❤️your story. I ❤️ God.
I❤️ the Catholic Church.
I ❤️ the Catholic Mass.
Thanks be to God. 😊
@@NoWhereManBrad
Welcome home!
Happy Birthday! It's 2022 assuming it's your 86th Birthday (since you posted 3 years ago). God bless you & your family. Amen 🙏...
That is great news and a huge step towards being ready to meet Jesus.
As a Baptist, I believe that it is priests like this who will lead us all to full reconciliation!
As a Catholic, I pray that because of Christians, such as yourself, we are all united in one church someday. God bless you and your family. Merry Christmas!
@@antonioborriello5287 You brought tears to my eyes. God bless you and yours during this Advent Season and always 🙏🏿
How powerful that would be if we were all truly one? What a great witness to the world we could be. A united church, would set the world on fire for God. Let us continually pray for unity, as Scriptures say, that they may be one father as you and I are one. ❤
@@charliepickard7798 AMEN!!! Let us pray and work so that God's will will be fulfilled in our lifetime 🙏🏿
As a non-denominational evangelical I agree!
Tbh, I am born in a religious hindu family, and I'll be college this year, and I'll be independent, so I've never celebrated advent and Christmas but I do want to decorate my tree and stuff like that, I will go to mass everyday and pray more, I'll try my best. Pray for me.
We’re in similar situations! Praying for you my sibling in Christ. God willing, this first Advent season will be spiritually fruitful for the both of us :)
This is my first Advent since my confirmation at the age of 56. Praise God I finally "get" Christmas. I also no longer fear death, as I am indeed preparing.
This really opens my eyes... I dont know when God will call me home. I need to live every day like it’s my last... AMEN
It opens my eyes as well. But my question is, where is Father's pupils?
Gabriel Allis 😂😂
@@gabrielallis7859 It's those lights. Horrible.
Amen
Gabriel Allis haha
ConfessIon is the best first step for preparation. Amen!
Just went for confession today. The first day of Advent
Ok
Wow, this made me reflect so much I found myself crying by the end of the video. I grew up Catholic but I have been angry with god from the age of 15-now in my mid twenties for all the challenges and hardships I grew up with. I am opening my heart more and this holiday season I want to celebrate Christmas by celebrating Jesus. Thank you for this
Praying for you!❤
I wish you a happy Advent. Hope you find healing.
God sends you blessings and crosses. Unite your pain to His cross and offer up your sacrifice to God. That will give you merit in heaven.
God Bless you 🤍
La muerte es un tránsito al que debemos estar preparados porque lo mejor está por venir face to face with lord Jesus !!!!te amo Jesus
And one day we will meet Christ face to face God bless everyone watching this ✝️🙏
My dad died on December 24th, so yes, I actually do live Advent with that question in mind, ....I don’t rush to get the gifts under the tree before or during Advent, and I don’t hurry to get decorations up, but the Christmas season has been the most joy filled and meaningful ever since I learned that my next breath depends on God.
Praying a lot is the first step to celebrate Advent. God bless. 🙏🏾
Well that was deep
Dang... I mean...just... Wow. +1
I have never thought of Advent the way Father Mike presents it here, but as a Catholic, I know the importance of the season. To me, decorating is also a way to celebrate the coming of Jesus. The nativity scene is always the centerpiece of my decoration.
"What are the steps you would need to take on Dec. 25th, to wake up dead?" "Use this Advent to prepare yourself to celebrate Christmas and to die." Words I wouldn't necessarily have thought to pair together: "wake up dead" and preparing for a day to both celebrate and die. Seven years ago, my younger cousin (same age as my little sister) died unexpectedly three days before Christmas. We did not decorate that year and spent much of our time at my aunt and uncle's; while everyone else oblivious to this was busy with the typically commercial side of Christmas, my cousin's body was in a casket in his parents' living room (they waked him at home and my mom and her siblings took turns keeping vigil with my aunt). Due to all of the extras involved for the priests with the schedule for Christmas Masses, we had to wait a couple of extra days to have the funeral and burial. On his memorial card is a poem called "My First Christmas in Heaven". That Christmas and every one since has taken on a new meaning. Thank you for these wise words, Father Mike!
As a child we put a Christmas tree up the week before Christmas. The Nativity scene was under the tree… but the Baby Jesus was never under the tree until late on the night of the 24th. I never forgot that and carried that tradition into adulthood and passed it on to my children.
I listen to this reflection every Advent. Goosebumps. Every Advent.
So, it is Advent 2021...This is the absolute best suggestion for Advent I have ever listened to. I am wondering how many people are moved to change how they prepare for Christmas. Thank you Father Mike, you are a gift from God.
I’m just realizing what Advent is.
And now 2022 Advent is a day away. We made it another year, praise the Lord. May we keep on preparing for that inevitable day where we will meet Him. Thank you Father Mike
Ok Mike
Thank you Fr. Mike. Beautiful sharing.
Dear Father Mike, Please remember my client, Robert, who died this morning after a long illness. Please ask the Father to confer eternal rest on him and make perpetual light shine upon him. may his soul and all the souls of the Faithful departed through Your mercy rest in peace Amen.
A Holy Bible is the best 🎁 you could give someone
Jesus Christ the same yesterday and today and forever
I'm ready I love Christmas it's my favorite time of the year.
Eeeesh!! Less of me and more of you God!! God bless you Father Mike!💗💗💗
Hits home. Thanks for submitting a new way of thinking.
I was taught that decorating for Christmas is Worship. Putting decorations around is expressing your celebration of God's promise fulfilled. A Christmas Tree is much more than a symbol it is done for the Glory of God for All to See it. Decorate all you want. It is for the grandness of God's son. Its the same as people decorating for your birthday by putting up balloons and banners and baking a cake and inviting people over. Its celebrating you just as decorations are celebrating Jesus.
Merci pour ce partage mon père que dieu vous benisse
In our family we would wait until Christmas Eve to do any decorating. I liked doing things that way because it was a clear contrast between waiting, and for the actual FIRST day of Christmas, December 25th. I occasionally listen to some Christmas Music during this time, but not every day all day because I don't want to grow insensitized to the music, but to truly rejoice when the Church actually celebrates the Birth of Our Lord and to keep on celebrating until the Baptism of Our Lord. The rest of the world has already gone on to mundane things again, whereas the Church STILL celebrates!
Fr Mike
I prepared thus message based on your preaching and have forwarded in different groups .
God bless you father
I hope and pray that this Advent, people will FAST from WORLDLINESS, and Feast on thinking & praying extra for the POOR in the WORLD,,,,,,, try to give charity in different ways,,,, it costs nothing,,,, GOD SUFFICES,,,,,, GOD BLESS THIS WORLD WITH HIS LOVE& PEACE,,,,,🙏✝️🙏
Thank you God for people like Fr Mike who can so passionately and clearly explain the mysteries of our faith.
That anecdote with the girl reconciling with the high school classmate, was soooo beautiful 💞 Thanks for the perspective
Thank you very much father for this video, I hope people can open their hearts and their minds to empty themselves to the Holy Spirit so they may understand what you are truly saying.
May you have a Blessed Advent season Father.
Fr. Smith I missed you so much, nice to see you again 😍😍😍😍😍😍
Schmitz not Smith
My family is so thankful for explaining what is Advent is all about. This is so important to prepare the coming of Jesus Christ is being born on Christmas Day.
I'm laying next to my husband of 20 plus years, and since February of 2022 it's been 1 day at a time, as in February he suffered a stroke. It is so hard I'm his caregiver and I ask Jesus to keep me strong
We have completed 10 Marathons together, so this is a never ending run.I've been his Wife, dietitian, rehab aide,chauffeur (as he decided he should no longer drive)
l've been his everything. it's really ironic we've been preparing for Advent daily.We don't have a plan for "what if I get sick" ( I have rhematoid arthritis) I have 3 friends that told me they would be my Support Group..I'm truly Blessed. Thank you Fr
Mike by putting this in perspective God Bless
My grandpa❤️ died on Christmas day I was only 1 years old
I almost died 3/17/17 Jesus saved me
St Patrick’s Day
Currently I’m fighting for my life again
How are you feeling right now?
much love it will get bbetter
May the Lord fill you with delight no matter what is happening around you and may the prayers of the people who love you be placed before the majesty of God. May the Holy Spirit make those prayers a lovely balm before the thrown and may Jesus love those prayers with His Sacrifice and may The Blessed Mother stay by your side offering her intercession to the Greatness of God.
@@christiandpaul631 Amen!
God bless you, Father Mike. You're wonderful soul. That's why you're so beloved, both by people and Angels ✝️🙏❤️😊
Yes he is! God’s mercy and love covers a multitude of sins!!! ❤️😁
So thankful for your vocation Father Mike!
This message is clear and beautiful. I never understood advent with this perspective before. May God keep blessing you abundantly.
It's true father!!! Amen
Great message. Thanks Father.
A long time advent tradition of mine is to read Charlie Dickens - A Christmas Carol! It get's me in the spirit and reminds me that what I do now echoes in eternity!
What a beautiful tradition!
Yes we must all prepare for Christmas to celebrate Christ Jesus born for us and sing Christmas Carols I was born on December 8 1945 that virgin Mary was conceived. I am a child of God we are th childrens of God. To wish you all have a very Merry Christmas and a save holiday. Be happy God is with us .🙏🌞👼🎄🎇
WOW!!! Excellent video- mind BLOWN. I never realized I could wake up dead lol. A bit grim and depressing but the message came across. I believe I am ready to die and stand before my Lord and Saviour. It would be nice to lay my sins before Him and accept my judgment. Thank you for this video. I would like to see my youngest son graduate high school of course but should I be called to return to the Church Triumphant, I have lived a full life and loved as much as possible.
I love u father Mike,I've been following u on 365 days of the Bible since Jan. OF 2022 it has literally changed my life.God Bless you,and I look forward to jan.1 of 23 doing the Catachism❤️🙏
Changing my perspective has impacted the way I prepare for the coming of Jesus. Thank you for this gift that I have shared with my family! ❤
Thank you so much! This is so great, although I’m a practicing Catholic and pray the Rosary daily I just never looked at advent this way! Father you are a Blessing and God certainly uses you to reach out to people like me. Thank you once again!
Thank you FrMike for the explanation of Advent and the great explanation of it
Father, I sure wish I had your faith in the church. I focus on Jesus, I could no longer handle the hypocrisy of its members. This might be my last advent/Christmas on earth. I have lung cancer. Please pray for me. In him, and his love.
This is my first Christmas as a widow. My teenage son is a challenge to console. Merry Christmas 🎄🎁
Oh I am so sorry for your loss, I will pray for you and your son.
Keeping You both in Prayer🙏🙏🙏 i am So Sorry for Your Loss😪💖💜🌹🕊
My youngest brother sent the most beautiful letter the Christmas the year he lost "his bride of 27 years." Remember at this time, when everybody else is celebrating and you feel the deepest sorrow because of your loss that God is close to the broken-hearted. You are never alone, even if it may feel that way at times.
@@deborahwilson6970 that is so moving and compassionate🌹💜🕊
So sorry to hear this. Just said a prayer for you and your son.
What a sobering thought...there are only three weeks left until Christmas. Don't hold grudges, y'all. Reach out. This may be your only chance.
I’m not Catholic but he’s definitely spiked my interest and I love hearing him speak
I love how you convey a critical teaching with great humour! God love you Fr. Mike
I already started. Looking forward to what Fr. Mike has to say. I've been listening to the Mitch Miller Christmas that I grew up with.
“Wait for the Lord whose day is near. Wait for the Lord. Be strong, take heart.” Taize
"Be still and know that I am God...be still, be still"
This is a great video thanks for your time and help God bless you 🙏✝️
Thank you Fr. Mike. I hope everyone can improve their spiritual standing with Lord this Advent. Venite Adoremus.
Thank you Fr. Mike. What a insightful message.
Super message, we better be ready!🙏❤️🔥✝️
Thank you Fr Mike... Regards from (Shillong Meghalaya)India 👍👍👍
Thank you, Father, for keeping it simple and keeping it REAL. It’s important for us to SLOW DOWN and absorb the Christmas message, to change what needs changing and to throw off what weighs us down so we can be free and live in Light.
This is truly a very solemn and thought-provoking reflection.
I would not consider myself Catholic - as I assume Fr Mike is Catholic - but I found this video while attempting to reach a greater understanding of this advent thing. It was explained well. I have a better understanding now and I hope to include advent ideas into my plans for late 2021, assuming I remain above dirt.
Keep the Christ in Christmas.
Thank you Father Mike. I look forward to your videos.
This is particularly moving for me because last year my father died on Christmas Eve. Thank you for posting this Father Mike.
This is The Man to listen to this season y’all ! 🎄
Share this to yuh people
Thank you Fr. for reminding me of The path God has laid out for me through his Omly son Jesus.
Only
Another major punch in my face. Thanks Father Mike 😊. God bless you for doing His work and challenging us to be faithful Catholics. Keep 'em coming.
Beautiful. Thank you again Father Mike.
This is SO good! Thank you Father. 🙏🏻✝
Wow Fr. Mike, such a powerful message! It is scary true that everyone dies tomorrow. This one or the next one for a lifetime, one day we ALL die tomorrow. Thank God for Jesus Christ, glory and praise! Hallelujah!
God bless you father! These words are opening my eyes.
I love the way you preach the good news. Gesundheit
A Blessed Advent Season Fr.Mike.GOD BLESS..
Thank you Fr. Mike for bringing a different perspective on Advent. Insightful
Bless you father Mike !! Praise God for this message
Thank you Father Mike!
Thank you, Fr Mike for this video. It guided me through the best Advent of my life so far. God bless you!
God bless Father Mike!
Thank you so much Father. I really never knew the definition of Advent until now. You explained so very well. Thank you once more and God bless you. Merry Christmas.
This really hit deeper than I could have ever expected, thank you Fr Mike!
Wow, this is such a groundbreaking way to approach Advent, wasn't expecting that at all, thank you Fr Mike!
Thank you, Fr. This changes my understanding of this season completely. Be blessed and keep up the good work you are doing
This was powerful. Thank you Fr. Mike.
I heard about Bishop Sirba he was my Parish Priest at the Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and he married my wife and I. I will pray for him he was a good man.
He was a good man. I have never heard a harsh word come from his mouth. He was my husband's uncle, and he witnessed our vows too. We are so sad to loose him. Thank you for your prayers!
@Collins Anosike Yes, he was the 9th Bishop of the MN Duluth Diocese.
He confirmed me into the church in may of this year, and I know his brother, who is also a priest.
He was a true servant of God, and an amazing person to know! Please pray for his soul and his grieving family💞
After hearing after-life or near-death experiences from several credible witnesses, I can't help the fact that I just can't wait for my time when God calls me home 💗 it'll be the most awesome gift if he were to call me home right on Christmas day! Whether on Christ's birthday or whatever day or time, I just can't wait to go home! We all belong in Heaven and we are all called to Love, because God is Love.
I had a fear of death of how God may receive me, whether if he's going to hold me accountable of any sins I've done on earth. But after hearing the stories of folks who shared what they experienced after life is just incredibly amazing. It just made me want to be with God already and experience what they actually experienced with Him in the after-life. Although some have slightly different experiences about the things they saw, the most common response they all shared was this immense, profound, peace, joy and unconditional, perfect love coming from this great light giving out such indescribably infinite, loving presence filled with such amazing love and beauty, so forgiving and so gentle, no judgement at all.
Here sharing Raymond Kinman's after-life experience - part 1. m.czcams.com/video/tgYHxrBn5Ao/video.html
part 2. m.czcams.com/video/hSQ6vcC6O-w/video.html
John 20:29 - "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
God bless! 💗🙏
God Bless you Fr Mike ... your videos are truly thought provoking and special.
Thank you Fr. Mike
Yes, Christmas music does help. Lots of happy memories during the holidays. Especially midnight mass ❣️
I thank you so much for re awakening my interest , in my faith. I appreciate your exuberance in your teaching. ❤ Bless You
Ty Fr Mike. I needed this! 🙏🏼❤️
Thank you, Fr. Mike! I did what you suggested and it made me live Advent at a much more spiritual and thoughtful level. Since I didn't die on Christmas (although a friend did on Christmas Eve), I feel like I have a new life!
Father Mike, God bless you more and more. Your teachings have been so helpful to my life. Thankyou for linking me up to Jesus, in your teachings.
Thank you for this video, Fr. Mike. I have never thought about Advent in this way. 👍
Thank you Father Mike
Thank you, Father. We faithful all too often lack preaching on the last things. And we absolutely must have it.
What a beautiful message this advent 🙏🏻
Your comments really resonate with me, Fr. Mike! Thanks and a blessed Christmas to you.
Wow, how sobering! Clearly, I'm not prepared. This has really jolted me -- thank you!!
What a marvelous homily for the feast of Christ our King
A lot of food for thought.thank you.we will really remember while seeing the road signs
You have opened my eyes I used to think all on the negative and make my life worse then it needs to be and now I’ll definitely try to be positive and stop being stressed