We are now in the season of Advent, a time that calls us to pause, reflect, and prepare for something profound—the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Advent is not merely a historical commemoration of His birth, but a spiritual journey of preparation to encounter Him anew. It is a season of anticipation, inviting us to prepare our hearts for both the celebration of His Nativity and His glorious second coming.
In our modern world, Advent can sometimes feel like an extension of the festive Christmas season—shopping, decorating, attending parties, going for holidays, etc. The question is, how do we prepare to meet the Lord? While the world around us rushes into festivities, we are invited to embrace this sacred time with a focus on prayer, reflection, and fasting—a powerful yet often overlooked spiritual practice. The Church calls us to something deeper, to take time and make room for Jesus in our hearts and lives.
Preparing to Meet Him
When we think about welcoming someone important into our lives—whether it is a cherished guest, a respected leader, or even a king—we do not rush in haphazardly or unprepared. Instead, we take time to reflect and make the necessary adjustments to ensure that we are ready for the encounter. We clean our homes, put on our best attire, and present ourselves in the most thoughtful and respectful way possible. In these moments, we strive to be the best, most polished version of ourselves, showing care and honour for the one we are about to meet. This preparation is not merely about outward appearances; it is a reflection of the value we place on the relationship and the respect we hold for the occasion.
Meeting Jesus is no different. As the Gospel from the first Sunday of Advent reminds us:
"Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly" (Luke 21:34).
The message is clear: preparation requires vigilance and spiritual discipline. Fasting, a practice often associated with Lent, is just as meaningful during Advent. It helps us strip away the excess, focus on what truly matters, and align our hearts with the coming of our Lord.
Why Fast During Advent?
Fasting is more than just abstaining from food. It is a spiritual discipline that involves letting go of worldly attachments to make room for Christ. During Advent, fasting can serve as a reminder that our true hunger is for God. Here are some ways fasting can deepen our spiritual preparation:
Reorienting Priorities: In a season often dominated by materialism, fasting helps us refocus on the spiritual significance of Advent. By denying ourselves certain comforts, we are reminded of our dependence on God and the true meaning of the season.
Purifying the Heart: As we fast, we make space for the Holy Spirit to work within us, purging selfishness and distractions. This echoes the Advent call to "prepare the way of the Lord" in our hearts.
Fostering Solidarity: By fasting, we join in solidarity with those who are truly in need. This practice reminds us of the humility and poverty of Jesus' birth and opens our hearts to acts of charity and compassion.
Strengthening Prayer Life: Fasting and prayer are inseparable. When we fast, our physical hunger can remind us to turn to God in prayer, deepening our relationship with Him. As Jesus said, "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).
Practical Ways to Fast During Advent
Fasting during Advent does not have to mirror the strict fasting of Lent. It can take various forms, each tailored to different aspects of our lives. It is not merely about giving things up, but about making intentional choices that draw us closer to Christ and prepare our hearts for His coming.
Food Fast: Choose one day a week to fast from a meal or specific foods. Fridays are an especially meaningful day to fast or abstain from meat, in keeping with the Church’s traditional penitential practices. You might also consider abstaining from indulgent treats, such as sweets or alcohol, as a way of cultivating discipline and focus. By letting go of these comforts, we remind ourselves that our ultimate nourishment comes from God. Let this small sacrifice be a reminder to pray for those who go without food daily and to practice gratitude for the blessings we often take for granted.
Digital Fast: In our technology-driven age, screens often consume our time and attention. This Advent, consider fasting from social media, streaming services, or other digital distractions that clutter your day. Instead, use that time to reflect, pray, or read Scripture. Make this a season of spiritual nourishment by engaging with content that deepens your faith. For instance, explore Catholic blogs, podcasts, or websites which offer resources to support your spiritual journey. By turning your digital consumption into an opportunity for growth, you can transform Advent into a season of meaningful engagement with God and His Church.
Material Fast: Advent often comes with the temptation to overindulge in shopping, as we are bombarded with advertisements and the pressure to buy more. Simplify your lifestyle during this sacred season by resisting the urge to purchase unnecessary items. Ask yourself: do I really need this, or can I redirect my resources to those in need? Instead of buying for ourselves, let us embrace the spirit of giving by purchasing gifts for others, especially those who cannot repay us. Consider donating to charities, supporting families in need, or volunteering your time. And when we give, let us do so with a pure heart, not expecting anything in return, for true generosity mirrors the love of Christ. In this way, we reflect the humility and generosity of Christ, who came into the world not in grandeur but in simplicity. Let our acts of giving be a response to the abundant grace we have received.
Mindset Fast: Fasting is not only about external habits but also about internal renewal. This Advent, consider fasting from negative patterns of thought or behaviour, such as gossip, impatience, or worrying. When you catch yourself falling into these habits, redirect your focus to something uplifting. Replace gossip with encouragement, impatience with prayer, and worry with trust in God. Use moments of negativity as an opportunity to reflect on Scripture. For instance, instead of dwelling on a bad thought, meditate on bible verses or pray the Our Father or Hail Mary. By actively replacing harmful thoughts, we allow His truth to shape our heart and mind, preparing us to welcome Him with joy.
The Gospel further urges us to:
"Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man" (Luke 21:36).
Fasting helps us cultivate this vigilance. It sharpens our spiritual awareness and keeps us attuned to God’s presence. Through these acts of fasting, we can approach Advent not as a time of mere tradition, but as a profound opportunity for transformation. In a world full of distractions, fasting creates a sacred space where we can encounter Christ more deeply.
Embracing Advent as a Season of Growth
Advent is not merely a countdown to Christmas; it is a time of spiritual growth and renewal. By embracing fasting as part of our Advent journey, we align ourselves with centuries of Christian tradition that view this season as one of repentance, expectation, and hope.
Imagine how different our Christmas celebration would feel if our Advent was marked not by frantic busyness but by intentional preparation. Through fasting, prayer, and acts of charity, we create a space for Jesus to dwell in our hearts. This spiritual discipline helps us not only to celebrate His birth with joy but also to stand ready for His second coming.
So, as you light the candles on your Advent wreath this year, consider how you can incorporate fasting into your preparation. Let this season be a time of deepening your faith, growing closer to Christ, and rediscovering the beauty of a practice that, though forgotten by many, remains a powerful tool for spiritual renewal.
This Advent, may we all prepare not just our homes but our hearts to welcome Jesus Christ, the Light of the world.
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