The True Meaning of Advent

[@rarlenes]

Excellent message! Today is my birthday; I turn 83 years old. My advent calendar is on the wall, and I prepare for the coming of Christ. I was baptized in the Catholic Church as a newborn baby, and then again in a Baptist Church several years later. In preparation of Advent-according to Father Mike’s “true meaning” of same, I will prepare to meet Jesus. I will return to the Catholic Church! Thank you, Father Mike! A month ago I had no knowledge of you. Since listening to your sermons, the cloud has lifted, and I return to the religion of my youth! Merry Christmas.❤

[@NoWhereManBrad]

I wish you the best brother. I was baptized Catholic as a baby too, now I'm 28 and returning to the Church too! After listening to Father Mike's video here, I recognize its important I stop putting off my first confession. Merry Christmas!

[@dianaschmidt7544]

This is divine intervention Arlene, I’m so happy for you! I ❤️your story. I ❤️ God. I❤️ the Catholic Church. I ❤️ the Catholic Mass. Thanks be to God. 😊

[@briannall6232]

@@NoWhereManBrad Welcome home!

[@katmontgomery7699]

Happy Birthday! It's 2022 assuming it's your 86th Birthday (since you posted 3 years ago). God bless you & your family. Amen 🙏...

[@Thomas_Christian_2025_TF]

That is great news and a huge step towards being ready to meet Jesus.

[@furusaogoge]

As a Baptist, I believe that it is priests like this who will lead us all to full reconciliation!

[@antonioborriello5287]

As a Catholic, I pray that because of Christians, such as yourself, we are all united in one church someday. God bless you and your family. Merry Christmas!

[@furusaogoge]

@@antonioborriello5287 You brought tears to my eyes. God bless you and yours during this Advent Season and always 🙏🏿

[@charliepickard7798]

How powerful that would be if we were all truly one? What a great witness to the world we could be. A united church, would set the world on fire for God. Let us continually pray for unity, as Scriptures say, that they may be one father as you and I are one. ❤

[@furusaogoge]

@@charliepickard7798 AMEN!!! Let us pray and work so that God's will will be fulfilled in our lifetime 🙏🏿

[@scottmitchell1974]

As a non-denominational evangelical I agree!

[@babyelias3992]

Tbh, I am born in a religious hindu family, and I'll be college this year, and I'll be independent, so I've never celebrated advent and Christmas but I do want to decorate my tree and stuff like that, I will go to mass everyday and pray more, I'll try my best. Pray for me.

[@propanenightmaresgograndpa5359]

We’re in similar situations! Praying for you my sibling in Christ. God willing, this first Advent season will be spiritually fruitful for the both of us :)

[@edgarvictoria1983]

ConfessIon is the best first step for preparation. Amen!

[@reynoldfrancis6060]

Just went for confession today. The first day of Advent

[@luciefreeman9571]

Ok

[@mariedurant205]

La muerte es un tránsito al que debemos estar preparados porque lo mejor está por venir face to face with lord Jesus !!!!te amo Jesus

[@justinabegg730]

This really opens my eyes... I dont know when God will call me home. I need to live every day like it’s my last... AMEN

[@gabrielallis7859]

It opens my eyes as well. But my question is, where is Father's pupils?

[@morgansheila5785]

Gabriel Allis 😂😂

[@stevenrbennett]

@@gabrielallis7859 It's those lights. Horrible.

[@dbenoit8862]

Amen

[@justinabegg730]

Gabriel Allis haha

[@tbhausen]

This is my first Advent since my confirmation at the age of 56. Praise God I finally "get" Christmas. I also no longer fear death, as I am indeed preparing.

[@ZaileeMadrigal]

Wow, this made me reflect so much I found myself crying by the end of the video. I grew up Catholic but I have been angry with god from the age of 15-now in my mid twenties for all the challenges and hardships I grew up with. I am opening my heart more and this holiday season I want to celebrate Christmas by celebrating Jesus. Thank you for this

[@kaylant7097]

Praying for you!❤

[@lupea8079]

I wish you a happy Advent. Hope you find healing.

[@angied7857]

God sends you blessings and crosses. Unite your pain to His cross and offer up your sacrifice to God. That will give you merit in heaven.

[@katherinepedraza8657]

God Bless you 🤍

[@jeffreybabino8161]

And one day we will meet Christ face to face God bless everyone watching this ✝️🙏

[@StevenJBosch]

Dear Father Mike, Please remember my client, Robert, who died this morning after a long illness. Please ask the Father to confer eternal rest on him and make perpetual light shine upon him. may his soul and all the souls of the Faithful departed through Your mercy rest in peace Amen.

[@markclare5222]

I'm ready I love Christmas it's my favorite time of the year.

[@michellerosebrown]

Praying a lot is the first step to celebrate Advent. God bless. 🙏🏾

[@tavialessor9569]

Hits home. Thanks for submitting a new way of thinking.

[@christinetuthill8249]

As a child we put a Christmas tree up the week before Christmas. The Nativity scene was under the tree… but the Baby Jesus was never under the tree until late on the night of the 24th. I never forgot that and carried that tradition into adulthood and passed it on to my children.

[@jackiestarrs7554]

In our family we would wait until Christmas Eve to do any decorating. I liked doing things that way because it was a clear contrast between waiting, and for the actual FIRST day of Christmas, December 25th. I occasionally listen to some Christmas Music during this time, but not every day all day because I don't want to grow insensitized to the music, but to truly rejoice when the Church actually celebrates the Birth of Our Lord and to keep on celebrating until the Baptism of Our Lord. The rest of the world has already gone on to mundane things again, whereas the Church STILL celebrates!

[@lynnk9806]

I'm laying next to my husband of 20 plus years, and since February of 2022 it's been 1 day at a time, as in February he suffered a stroke. It is so hard I'm his caregiver and I ask Jesus to keep me strong We have completed 10 Marathons together, so this is a never ending run.I've been his Wife, dietitian, rehab aide,chauffeur (as he decided he should no longer drive) l've been his everything. it's really ironic we've been preparing for Advent daily.We don't have a plan for "what if I get sick" ( I have rhematoid arthritis) I have 3 friends that told me they would be my Support Group..I'm truly Blessed. Thank you Fr Mike by putting this in perspective God Bless

[@daisynair3304]

Fr Mike I prepared thus message based on your preaching and have forwarded in different groups .

[@michaelcooper7162]

A Holy Bible is the best 🎁 you could give someone Jesus Christ the same yesterday and today and forever

[@christiandpaul631]

I was taught that decorating for Christmas is Worship. Putting decorations around is expressing your celebration of God's promise fulfilled. A Christmas Tree is much more than a symbol it is done for the Glory of God for All to See it. Decorate all you want. It is for the grandness of God's son. Its the same as people decorating for your birthday by putting up balloons and banners and baking a cake and inviting people over. Its celebrating you just as decorations are celebrating Jesus.

[@robp1000]

I listen to this reflection every Advent. Goosebumps. Every Advent.

[@therese5361]

My dad died on December 24th, so yes, I actually do live Advent with that question in mind, ....I don’t rush to get the gifts under the tree before or during Advent, and I don’t hurry to get decorations up, but the Christmas season has been the most joy filled and meaningful ever since I learned that my next breath depends on God.

[@thierrybegue751]

Merci pour ce partage mon père que dieu vous benisse

[@RaqMor13]

Well that was deep

[@Chamdar17]

Dang... I mean...just... Wow. +1

[@rosesantiago738]

Great message. Thanks Father.

[@mariedurant205]

It's true father!!! Amen

[@jeffreybabino8161]

This is a great video thanks for your time and help God bless you 🙏✝️

[@monamenager4802]

I have never thought of Advent the way Father Mike presents it here, but as a Catholic, I know the importance of the season. To me, decorating is also a way to celebrate the coming of Jesus. The nativity scene is always the centerpiece of my decoration.

[@theolindabrookes8438]

Thank you FrMike for the explanation of Advent and the great explanation of it

[@joe7324]

Father, I sure wish I had your faith in the church. I focus on Jesus, I could no longer handle the hypocrisy of its members. This might be my last advent/Christmas on earth. I have lung cancer. Please pray for me. In him, and his love.

[@JayRedding12_12]

I already started. Looking forward to what Fr. Mike has to say. I've been listening to the Mitch Miller Christmas that I grew up with.

[@lindamartin6798]

"What are the steps you would need to take on Dec. 25th, to wake up dead?" "Use this Advent to prepare yourself to celebrate Christmas and to die." Words I wouldn't necessarily have thought to pair together: "wake up dead" and preparing for a day to both celebrate and die. Seven years ago, my younger cousin (same age as my little sister) died unexpectedly three days before Christmas. We did not decorate that year and spent much of our time at my aunt and uncle's; while everyone else oblivious to this was busy with the typically commercial side of Christmas, my cousin's body was in a casket in his parents' living room (they waked him at home and my mom and her siblings took turns keeping vigil with my aunt). Due to all of the extras involved for the priests with the schedule for Christmas Masses, we had to wait a couple of extra days to have the funeral and burial. On his memorial card is a poem called "My First Christmas in Heaven". That Christmas and every one since has taken on a new meaning. Thank you for these wise words, Father Mike!

[@mrutherford5502]

So, it is Advent 2021...This is the absolute best suggestion for Advent I have ever listened to. I am wondering how many people are moved to change how they prepare for Christmas. Thank you Father Mike, you are a gift from God.

[@marsharowaihy6725]

I’m just realizing what Advent is.

[@AlbertoLopez-mn8ms]

And now 2022 Advent is a day away. We made it another year, praise the Lord. May we keep on preparing for that inevitable day where we will meet Him. Thank you Father Mike

[@daisynair3304]

Ok Mike

[@lubitagunsiong7923]

Thank you Fr. Mike. Beautiful sharing.

[@dianasun5099]

My family is so thankful for explaining what is Advent is all about. This is so important to prepare the coming of Jesus Christ is being born on Christmas Day.

[@colleensymmes5367]

I love u father Mike,I've been following u on 365 days of the Bible since Jan. OF 2022 it has literally changed my life.God Bless you,and I look forward to jan.1 of 23 doing the Catachism❤️🙏

[@AGlamDoll]

What an eye opener. My mother passed away on December 25, 2018.

[@christinarobinson2154]

Glam Doll sorry for your loss

[@harmonygordon6901]

Very sorry for your loss Glam Doll. I will pray for you at Christmas eve midnight Mass. I will be with you in Spirit as you grieve. The 1st anniversary of a death is very hard. Be good to yourself. God bless you. Deepest sympathy to you. There is NO ONE LIKE A MOTHER 💔

[@cw4608]

Thank you God for people like Fr Mike who can so passionately and clearly explain the mysteries of our faith.

[@PamelaBoyer]

This is my first Christmas as a widow. My teenage son is a challenge to console. Merry Christmas 🎄🎁

[@limepiper3650]

Oh I am so sorry for your loss, I will pray for you and your son.

[@lovelast4evergemma508]

Keeping You both in Prayer🙏🙏🙏 i am So Sorry for Your Loss😪💖💜🌹🕊

[@deborahwilson6970]

My youngest brother sent the most beautiful letter the Christmas the year he lost "his bride of 27 years." Remember at this time, when everybody else is celebrating and you feel the deepest sorrow because of your loss that God is close to the broken-hearted. You are never alone, even if it may feel that way at times.

[@lovelast4evergemma508]

@@deborahwilson6970 that is so moving and compassionate🌹💜🕊

[@nates_doommetal_dungeon]

So sorry to hear this. Just said a prayer for you and your son.

[@jerthebear59]

Thank you Fr. Mike. What a insightful message.

[@LisaGemini]

What a sobering thought...there are only three weeks left until Christmas. Don't hold grudges, y'all. Reach out. This may be your only chance.

[@faithhope1257]

I hope and pray that this Advent, people will FAST from WORLDLINESS, and Feast on thinking & praying extra for the POOR in the WORLD,,,,,,, try to give charity in different ways,,,, it costs nothing,,,, GOD SUFFICES,,,,,, GOD BLESS THIS WORLD WITH HIS LOVE& PEACE,,,,,🙏✝️🙏

[@theclapaolini4322]

This solves a lot of back and forth about Christmas music.....it does truly effect our holy anxiety for the birthday of Jesus.there is very little Advent music. l am very much for Christmas carols.and there is plenty that really gets you prepared for the sacraments. BLESSED CHRISTMAS AND HOLY ADVENT TO MAKE IT SPECIAL.

[@theclapaolini4322]

Great homily on death Father .Did you get any of PAULINE BOOKS ON. MEMENTO MORI ? TOP BEST SELLERS.THE LATEST IS ADVENT. AUTHOR IS SISTER THERESA ALETHEA DAUGHTERS OF ST PAUL .

[@chrisyother4870]

WOW!!! Excellent video- mind BLOWN. I never realized I could wake up dead lol. A bit grim and depressing but the message came across. I believe I am ready to die and stand before my Lord and Saviour. It would be nice to lay my sins before Him and accept my judgment. Thank you for this video. I would like to see my youngest son graduate high school of course but should I be called to return to the Church Triumphant, I have lived a full life and loved as much as possible.

[@cedescat2443]

Eeeesh!! Less of me and more of you God!! God bless you Father Mike!💗💗💗

[@iJackson007]

This is The Man to listen to this season y’all ! 🎄 Share this to yuh people

[@allipi8571]

My grandpa❤️ died on Christmas day I was only 1 years old I almost died 3/17/17 Jesus saved me St Patrick’s Day Currently I’m fighting for my life again

[@Hubertus401]

How are you feeling right now?

[@sisterplaypretend2920]

much love it will get bbetter

[@christiandpaul631]

May the Lord fill you with delight no matter what is happening around you and may the prayers of the people who love you be placed before the majesty of God. May the Holy Spirit make those prayers a lovely balm before the thrown and may Jesus love those prayers with His Sacrifice and may The Blessed Mother stay by your side offering her intercession to the Greatness of God.

[@Hubertus401]

@@christiandpaul631 Amen!

[@shariboyle1166]

Ty Fr Mike. I needed this! 🙏🏼❤️

[@tesschavit3009]

God bless you father

[@dianamsyiemlieh8800]

Thank you Fr Mike... Regards from (Shillong Meghalaya)India 👍👍👍

[@Glamtwin]

God bless Father Mike!

[@julianar.scheidemantel]

Thank you Father Mike!

[@nisicruz]

Alleluia... VIVA CRISTO REY

[@joyconnelly9955]

Thank you Father Mike

[@anders0814]

I’m not Catholic but he’s definitely spiked my interest and I love hearing him speak

[@drumsandcymbals8779]

Keep the Christ in Christmas.

[@phocasdesjardins4129]

Thank you Fr. Mike. I hope everyone can improve their spiritual standing with Lord this Advent. Venite Adoremus.

[@theclapaolini4322]

Such an appropriate talk to better live Advent .really live it in a holier manner that is what I. Am trying to do I called people I did this so willingly I just talked to them and loved to share how good they were and gave good example to wherever they were HAPPY HOLY ADVENT FATHER AND ALL YOU PREPARNG ❤️ YOUR HEATS. FOR JESUS BIRTHDAY

[@moninamoncam]

So thankful for your vocation Father Mike! This message is clear and beautiful. I never understood advent with this perspective before. May God keep blessing you abundantly.

[@barrykelly2722]

I would not consider myself Catholic - as I assume Fr Mike is Catholic - but I found this video while attempting to reach a greater understanding of this advent thing. It was explained well. I have a better understanding now and I hope to include advent ideas into my plans for late 2021, assuming I remain above dirt.

[@dorcas4035]

Super message, we better be ready!🙏❤️‍🔥✝️

[@oliveyaremko337]

Yes we must all prepare for Christmas to celebrate Christ Jesus born for us and sing Christmas Carols I was born on December 8 1945 that virgin Mary was conceived. I am a child of God we are th childrens of God. To wish you all have a very Merry Christmas and a save holiday. Be happy God is with us .🙏🌞👼🎄🎇

[@michaelpieper4886]

Thank you very much father for this video, I hope people can open their hearts and their minds to empty themselves to the Holy Spirit so they may understand what you are truly saying. May you have a Blessed Advent season Father.

[@Name-le2cc]

Fr. Smith I missed you so much, nice to see you again 😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@goesgoodwithcoffee1029]

Schmitz not Smith

[@ramonapaselio]

After hearing after-life or near-death experiences from several credible witnesses, I can't help the fact that I just can't wait for my time when God calls me home 💗 it'll be the most awesome gift if he were to call me home right on Christmas day! Whether on Christ's birthday or whatever day or time, I just can't wait to go home! We all belong in Heaven and we are all called to Love, because God is Love. I had a fear of death of how God may receive me, whether if he's going to hold me accountable of any sins I've done on earth. But after hearing the stories of folks who shared what they experienced after life is just incredibly amazing. It just made me want to be with God already and experience what they actually experienced with Him in the after-life. Although some have slightly different experiences about the things they saw, the most common response they all shared was this immense, profound, peace, joy and unconditional, perfect love coming from this great light giving out such indescribably infinite, loving presence filled with such amazing love and beauty, so forgiving and so gentle, no judgement at all. Here sharing Raymond Kinman's after-life experience - part 1. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpi8eauod9Nod9E part 2. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/noS0Z6mZeJuCY9k John 20:29 - "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." God bless! 💗🙏

[@zdenkogolubic8578]

God bless you, Father Mike. You're wonderful soul. That's why you're so beloved, both by people and Angels ✝️🙏❤️😊

[@joshuawick5382]

Yes he is! God’s mercy and love covers a multitude of sins!!! ❤️😁

[@adrianatorres4813]

That anecdote with the girl reconciling with the high school classmate, was soooo beautiful 💞 Thanks for the perspective

[@hrabmv]

this now makes sense !! the reading of today and this explanation. and i have heard this for the first time now :) nobody ever explained to me we celebrate the Christ 2nd coming...

[@WordsPictures997]

This was powerful. Thank you Fr. Mike.

[@angielove417]

Changing my perspective has impacted the way I prepare for the coming of Jesus. Thank you for this gift that I have shared with my family! ❤

[@marcia7904]

Thank you so much! This is so great, although I’m a practicing Catholic and pray the Rosary daily I just never looked at advent this way! Father you are a Blessing and God certainly uses you to reach out to people like me. Thank you once again!

[@berylmiller3250]

Thank you Father schmidt

[@sheribur5]

Oh thank you I understand so much better something to think about amen

[@marktapia8327]

“Wait for the Lord whose day is near. Wait for the Lord. Be strong, take heart.” Taize

[@comiskey44]

"Be still and know that I am God...be still, be still"

[@anthonyjmaurizzio7036]

A long time advent tradition of mine is to read Charlie Dickens - A Christmas Carol! It get's me in the spirit and reminds me that what I do now echoes in eternity!

[@jdon8212]

What a beautiful tradition!

[@TheMDelima]

Another major punch in my face. Thanks Father Mike 😊. God bless you for doing His work and challenging us to be faithful Catholics. Keep 'em coming.

[@loreengross6489]

I thank you so much for re awakening my interest , in my faith. I appreciate your exuberance in your teaching. ❤ Bless You

[@Kindcmm]

Thank you Fr. Mike

[@joycalabrese4349]

Thank you, Father, for keeping it simple and keeping it REAL. It’s important for us to SLOW DOWN and absorb the Christmas message, to change what needs changing and to throw off what weighs us down so we can be free and live in Light.

[@KellyStoger]

Wow Fr. Mike, such a powerful message! It is scary true that everyone dies tomorrow. This one or the next one for a lifetime, one day we ALL die tomorrow. Thank God for Jesus Christ, glory and praise! Hallelujah!

[@debirobinsonrn5141]

Wow! What a soul touching insight THANK YOU!

[@strummerali]

Thanks so much for posting this. It us really important that as Catholics we can find some positive guidance for Advent, otherwise we get drowned in all the fuss.

[@strummerali]

Here is something I started yesterday. Trying to prepare for Christmas and bear in mind the real meaning of Christmas. For the next 10 days, I am planning to remind at least one person of the importance/relevance/existance of God in our lives.

[@lancesingleton8307]

You have opened my eyes I used to think all on the negative and make my life worse then it needs to be and now I’ll definitely try to be positive and stop being stressed

[@vgraham580]

Thank you Fr. Mike for bringing a different perspective on Advent. Insightful

[@desiredecove5815]

Thank you Fr. for reminding me of The path God has laid out for me through his Omly son Jesus.

[@desiredecove5815]

Only

[@museluvr]

Your passion for God is beautiful, and inspiring. Thank you for this as this is my first Advent as a Catholic. God bless, Fr Mike.

[@BluPlays]

Hi! Praying that you are doing well and enjoying the Christmas season, saved by Jesus Christ :)

[@michaelcooper7162]

Congratulations 🌲🎥💝🎁💕💌

[@Vote2024again]

Yes, Christmas music does help. Lots of happy memories during the holidays. Especially midnight mass ❣️

[@lanaschott8928]

God Bless you Fr Mike ... your videos are truly thought provoking and special.

[@marshamarshamarsha2477]

Love it

[@integrallifecoaching2676]

For the past few days I’ve been eerily thinking of death and being scared to die. Thinking of dying was scary, and I realized that if everyone knew the humility of being aware of their mortality that no one would ever say or do a hurtful thing to anyone else again. Not just because of that humility, but also because of the gratitude of this beautiful life - why waste it on hurt and anger? Why waste it on anything else but love and joy and gratitude? And I also realized that no one can escape the icy clutch of death - we all whither and die. And from there I realized there was no choice but to give my life up to Jesus. I never had a personal relationship with Jesus. So I said “God, I want to know you. I give myself up to you. Guide me life in how you created me to be. And so it is.” And then everything started to come together, spirituality. I cried so much. And then I randomly stumbled across this video. Nothing is by accident. You were not created to whither and die. Ask God what His plan for you is. When you hold onto your life you will lose it. When you give up your life you will save it.

[@imalive4u169]

I heard about Bishop Sirba he was my Parish Priest at the Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and he married my wife and I. I will pray for him he was a good man.

[@emilykelly2815]

He was a good man. I have never heard a harsh word come from his mouth. He was my husband's uncle, and he witnessed our vows too. We are so sad to loose him. Thank you for your prayers!

[@evelynnmcclain1733]

@Collins Anosike Yes, he was the 9th Bishop of the MN Duluth Diocese. He confirmed me into the church in may of this year, and I know his brother, who is also a priest. He was a true servant of God, and an amazing person to know! Please pray for his soul and his grieving family💞

[@louiseward9584]

Oh so well taught Father. Thanks and Merry Christmas.

[@ucheuju9348]

This is truly a very solemn and thought-provoking reflection.

[@Mike-cg5cd]

I love how you convey a critical teaching with great humour! God love you Fr. Mike

[@virginiafonacier8795]

A Blessed Advent Season Fr.Mike.GOD BLESS..

[@christinecassidy2689]

This is particularly moving for me because last year my father died on Christmas Eve. Thank you for posting this Father Mike.

[@LisaBrandel]

Being alone with all my family passed away, this really hits home. It's something I have been doing myself, and something I encourage others to do, because we fritter our days away like they won't ever come to an end. They do, trust and believe, and so many times unexpectedly.

[@marycampbell4975]

Your the same as me. For many years I was always surrounded by relatives friends and neighbours at Christmas and the table was full of cards food and alcohol and now it is all no more?

[@LisaBrandel]

@@marycampbell4975 ~Big sisterly hugs~ We are the same. My prayers to you, Sweetheart, and all others like us

[@bradfelix6942]

Great video Fr Mike never thought of Advent in that way you've really given me something to think about am also loving The Bible in a Year may God grant you the Grace of a holy death

[@watchmanonthewallcouk6498]

Bless you father Mike !! Praise God for this message

[@anncollver6865]

Love this! This may be the day I wake up dead! Prepare for it!

[@glopez4919]

Whoa!!👀 sure wasn't expecting this Fr Mike. We're definitely taking it different this year, God is calling us to love him and think of him more than ever. And what a special time than on his b'day, when ppl are jolly preparing for Christmas. May God and mothet Mary continue to enlighted and bless you Fr. Mike. 📿📿

[@richardmarten7500]

Your comments really resonate with me, Fr. Mike! Thanks and a blessed Christmas to you.

[@ambrosiatea]

Powerful, thank you father, I think I need to ask forgiveness of someone but I'm a chicken. Please pray for me, I would like this to be a good Advent.