It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken in all of us memories of goodness and thus to open doors of hope. ~Pope Benedict XVI

The First Sunday of Advent is about Hope. Hope means something different to each person. Upon researching the definition of hope, I came across this: “grounds for believing something good may happen” (Oxford English Dictionary). This makes you reflect on what the season of Advent means to you. Hope sets the tone for Advent.

It’s the time of year where we all hope that something good may happen. This is unique to each person. When I think about something good happening, I imagine spending time with friends who I do not see all that often or being able to splurge on a nice pair of shoes for myself. Is that what the meaning of Hope is during the season Advent? It is.

Advent is a time of the year in which leads up to Christmas. It’s a time to spend with the ones that you love and care about the most – your family, your friends and yourself. There is something magical in the air which makes this time of the year seem different. You try to make more time for your loved ones. In a way Hope is inspiring us to make more time and more of an effort to be with one another.

When thinking of Hope keep saying to yourself, “believe”. It will inspire you to celebrate both Advent and Christmas in the true meaning of the holiday season. Something truly good will happen this Christmas if you keep Hope alive.