First Sunday of AdventThe season of Advent is a time of waiting, properly understood as preparation. During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season it is normal to focus on menu planning, shopping for gifts, and writing Christmas cards. These are the usual ways to prepare for Christmas. One important part we left out though is found in today's Gospel. Jesus tells his disciples, “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