Advent is a season of reflection. A time to join those before Christ's arrival and the thoughts they had with the expectations of the coming Messiah. What were they doing? What were they thinking? Were they joyful times, or oppressive times? Were their doubts? We take those thoughts and move them to today and compare them with our experiences. What thoughts do we have, and how similar are they from the past? If their thoughts were of anticipation for the Messiah's arrival, are ours similar, especially given the struggles and events of the world we live in today? Many of us live a blessed life, even in the midst of our worst struggles. It is easy for many of us to become complacent in our faithful lives. There are times when we need to reflect on what it would be like to not have Christ with us. Advent is a perfect time for reflection. Christmastime is very much a part of our everyday life during the season of Advent, as is everything else that is occurring in the world. As the past embraced the world within which they lived, we must embrace all the events we call on Christ today for, and for His return to set things right once again.