The time of Advent, which precedes the celebration of Christmas, lasts about four weeks. However, there are always four Sundays in this period. This is the time of preparation to the feast of Saviour's birth. This is also the time of expectation of the second coming of Christ which will happen at the end of the earthly time. During this time the purple colour is used but the Christians look joyfully forward to Lord's coming. The manifestation of this devotional lasting on prayer with Mary is the Rorate mass, during which an additional, ornamental candle is lit.

Another symbol of this time is the Advent wreath with four candles lit on successive Sundays during common family prayers.

The Bible readings from the first Advent Sunday till the 16th December describe final things - the end of time. They strengthen our faith by reminding us that Jesus Christ will really come as the Judge of the living and of the dead. Next readings from the 17th December till the Christmas Eve are direct preparation for Christmas. The main figures of this time are the prophet Isajah, who heralded the Messiah's birth, St John the Baptist, who preached the fulfilment of Messiah's time and the Holy Mary - the Mother of the Saviour.

The ministry of Mary is full of humility and simplicity, unpretentious and naturally human. She is full of humility, simplicity, unpretentiousness and natural humanity herself. Maybe that is the reason why Her person surprises and shocks us so much. God does not require extraordinary sacrifices, donations, burnt-offerings. He gave us mutual kindliness, warmth, He gave us a Mother and He gave us friends. And if it was not enough, He gave us his Son, God-Man. Mary can accept it and she can also give. She understands, accepts and gives in a natural way and maybe that is also why she is blessed among women.

Her choice, although completely voluntary, is the expression of Divine Grace. However, it does not happen without her cooperation. And She can fully cooperate with the Divine Grace. She multiplies this grace with her humility and naturalness. She is called the second Eve for a reason. Maybe before the original sin people were just like that? Naturally good and helpful? And She is blessed because she is the Mother, because she carries the blessed Fruit in her. And still... although She is the chosen, favoured, and enriched by God in such an amazing way... She is still a human being, a caring, attentive and kind woman.

How much can we learn from Her. She can teach us this humility, patience, warmth, kindliness and good. But who cares about this these days? Who bothers about it? After all being good is so old-fashioned, even... dangerous! And maybe this is why we sometimes feel confused and embarrassed when other people are good to us and we are ashamed to be good as well?

Let's remember about our missionaries and their communities during the Advent time. They also prepare for Christmas.

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