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The season of Advent has just begun. In addition to being a time of preparation and anticipation for the coming of Christ, this season also invites us to reflect on our relationships. Good Christian friends are an essential part of our journey through life. We all need someone to share our joys and struggles with. Advent is not merely a countdown to Christmas, it is an opportunity to deepen our faith, cultivate our friendships, and embody the love of Christ in a broken world. Discover more about the connection between Christian friendships and Advent and in today’s message.

Advent is characterized by a spirit of expectation and hope. The Advent season encourages us to pause and contemplate the presence of God in our lives, recognizing that each day offers signs of His love. This contemplative aspect of Advent is essential for fostering meaningful relationships. Good Christian friends can help us see these signs, to share in the joy of God’s presence, and to support each other on our spiritual journeys. The act of sharing experiences of faith can strengthen bonds and create a community rooted in love and mutual encouragement.

Moreover, the season of Advent emphasizes the importance of waiting and preparation. Advent is a reminder that God took the initiative to come to humanity, establishing a covenant with all people. This season calls us to reflect on God’s love for us, and in turn causes us to reflect on our relationships with those who are close to us. Good Christian friends not only share in the joys of life but also support one another through challenges, thus embodying the love of Christ in their interactions. These friendships help us grow in faith, reminding us of the hope that Advent represents.

The communal aspect of Advent is also highlighted in our Advent liturgies and worship services, which are filled with joyful expectation. Our expectation is not solely personal, it is communal, inviting us to prepare our hearts together for the coming of Christ. Together with our Christian friends we can gather to pray, reflect, and share our hopes and dreams for the future. Such gatherings can be a source of strength and inspiration, allowing us to experience the richness of community life. The sharing of faith stories, prayers, and even struggles can create a deeper sense of belonging and purpose.

Advent is also a time of giving back to others. This is a vital aspect of Christian friendship. Prayer and acts of kindness are essential and inseparable during this season. Friends encourage one another to engage in acts of charity and service, reflecting the love of Christ in tangible ways. This commitment to giving back to others not only strengthens friendships, but also serves as a witness to the broader community. By working together to serve those in need, friends can embody the spirit of Advent, which is ultimately about preparing for the coming of Christ through love and service.

The importance of sharing with good Christian friends extends beyond the Advent season. The relationships strengthened during this time can have lasting impacts, fostering a community that continues to support one another throughout the year. Together as we grow in our faith and understanding of God’s love, we can become beacons of hope and encouragement for others. The bonds formed in friendship can lead to a deeper commitment to living out the Christian faith, inspiring others to seek the same.

I would be remis if I did not point out that there are a lot of people who are profoundly lonely at this time. Mary and Joseph were alone in a stable on that first Christmas night. Will we be like the innkeepers who turned the Holy Family away, or will we be the ones to invite someone new into our circle of friends. Perhaps you, or you and your friends, can look around and bring the love and joy of Christ to someone who is lonely. I cannot imagine a better way to make this Advent season meaningful.

In conclusion, the season of Advent serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of having good Christian friends to share our faith journey with. This time of preparation and anticipation invites us to reflect on our relationships, encouraging us to cultivate a spirit of community rooted in love and mutual support. Through prayer, acts of kindness, and shared experiences of faith, friends help one another grow closer to God. Good Christian friendships embody the love of Christ. As we journey together through Advent and beyond, we can create a lasting impact on one another and the world around us, living out the hope and joy of the Advent season.

1. What one thing can you do during this Advent Season to build deeper and more meaningful relationships with your Christian friends?
2. What can you and your close Christian friends do together to make Advent special this year?
3. Can you and your Christian friends take on a project during Advent to bring the love of Christ to someone in need?

Heavenly Father, faithful friends are a sturdy shelter; they are a treasure to hold onto. These close friends are beyond price; they can be life-saving medicine when times are rough, and I need someone to lean on. Father, help me to cultivate strong Christ-centered friendships, especially during this season of Advent, as I prepare myself for the coming of Your Son on Christmas Day. Amen!  

AMDG 

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Brian Pusateri

Brian is a Christian author and speaker. Brian, a lifelong Catholic, felt his life was forever changed when God spoke to his heart while attending an eight day silent Christian retreat in November of 2011. Soon after that retreat Brian founded 4th Day Letters and Broken Door Ministries. With the God inspired message of mercy and unconditional love that was placed on his heart during that retreat, Brian has been impacting others all over the country and around the world with his weekly letters, his talks, and his all day Christian retreats. In June of 2014, Brian’s life was again impacted in a very dramatic way when his eyesight suddenly became permanently impaired. The initial diagnosis was Multiple Scleroses (MS) but in December of 2019 the diagnosis was corrected to MOG antibody disease, a rare neurological disease. This health challenge has only served to draw Brian closer to God and bolster the importance of this timely yet ageless message.

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