Among the many ways in which this beautiful season of Advent gets sadly hijacked is the complete loss of the season as a time of penance. We tend to think that's only for Lent (you know, the REAL penitential season). But just as we prepare for Easter with the penitential season of Lent, so we prepare for Christmas with the penitential season of Advent. The changes in the liturgy during this time of year reflect this as well: For example, the priest wears the color violet, the color of penance, same as Lent. Also the "Gloria" ("Glory to God in the Highest") is omitted on Sundays, same as Lent.
Unfortunately, there has been some misconception, even among the most well-meaning people, that penance is bad because reminding people that we are all sinners in need of a Savior is somehow a bad thing. But if don't admit our sin, then how can we admit that we need a Savior? And if we don't repent from our sin, then how can we fully embrace the birth of our Savior? Admitting that we are sinners does not mean that we are horrible people who need to punish ourselves with excessive guilt complexes. It simply means that we are admitting that we are human and that we need God.
It is precisely to free us form our sin, after all, that Jesus becomes man in the first place, How can we really appreciate the God who loves us enough to become a small, helpless baby in a manger if we choose to ignore the whole reason for His coming? In other words, if we say that our sin is no big deal, then we are also saying that the love of Christ is no big deal. Our sin is big, but Christ's love is bigger. That is the whole point of the Christmas season. It we turn a blind eye to our sins, then we turn a blind eye to our need for a savior and therefore to Christ Himself. So it is essential for us during this season of Advent to remove from our hearts whatever would take the place of Christ. Because when the baby Jesus is born, there is no room for Him in the sin.
Pax Vobiscum
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