The first Sunday of Advent ushers in a new year in the life of the Church. To express the newness that Advent brings we change colors (green to purple), Sunday gospels (Mark to Luke), and most importantly, emphasis. We switch from Jesus’ public ministry and miracles to waiting and preparing for his second coming. The reading for almost the first three weeks of Advent point us toward Jesus’ coming in glory at the end of time. Even though Christians have been waiting 1,990 years for the second coming, the Church reminds us to be vigilant. We are not the ones to tell Jesus when it will be convenient for him to come. It is up to us to be ready.