Advent is a liturgical season the Christian Churches offer us to spiritually prepare for the celebration of Christmas, the reality of Jesus becoming human so that we can become divine. Advent invites us to open our whole selves to welcome Jesus, God-made-flesh, Emmanuel.
Here are reflections from the Newman University community for the first week of Advent.
Sunday, Nov. 30
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 2:1-5; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44
Reflection by Sara Dwyer ASC, ’73
What Word Guides Your Path? Advent recalls the first coming of Jesus and anticipates the Second Coming of God’s Incarnate Word.
Isaiah tells us to “walk in his paths” by making instruments of peace, not war. Also, we’re to be awake, to put on ‘the armor of light’ and to ‘be prepared,’ for the Son of Man will come when we don’t expect him.
So, spend time each week with the three Sunday Scripture readings and listen for words that resonate in your heart.
See if the same word repeats in the various readings during Advent. Keep a list. Before the New Year, select ONE WORD from the list that speaks to your experience of “walking in his paths.” Treasure the word during 2026, listening for it in conversations, readings, and future Scriptures.
Advent calls us to be the love and light of God’s Son in the world, especially to those in the darkness of injustices, violence, and oppression.
Stay awake! The ‘hour you do not expect’ comes when you shine God’s love and light on the lonely, alienated, and marginalized on campus, in your family, and all around you. May your Advent be filled with love and light.
Monday, Dec. 1
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 4:2-6; Matthew 8:5-11
Reflection by Michael Neises, Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Isaiah and Matthew tell us stories of worthiness. Isaiah reminds us those who keep God are also kept by God. In true Old Testament fashion, Isaiah also reminds us of God’s judgment against those who abandon Him. On the other hand, Matthew tells a story of the humility of one man who recognized his place. That simple recognition amazed Jesus; that this amazed Christ frankly boggles the mind! This is mirrored in the Mass we say “I am not worthy” before communion.
We recognize our place and our unworthiness to receive God, and we recognize God’s authority to decide otherwise.
Tuesday, Dec. 2
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10; Luke 10:21-24
Reflection by Jenna Ju, Newman Student
From our readings, Isaiah promises a world redeemed by God’s peace, and Luke reminds us that the work of God is a gift given to those with humble and faithful hearts. Together, they invite us to gratitude—urging us to give thanks that God opens our eyes to witness His work and constant presence in our own lives. This Advent season, I challenge you to slow down and intentionally notice the ways God is moving in your life, taking time to be grateful for all that He has provided.
Wednesday, Dec. 3
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 25:6-10; Matthew 15:29-37
Reflection by Heather Moore, Administrative Coordinator, School of Health Professions
Both readings illustrate parallel examples of God’s limitless grace, mercy, and love. Regardless of the hopelessness we might feel, God provides and nourishes not only our bodies but our souls. Pain, anguish, and fear are removed and replaced with hope. These readings remind me that when I am feeling defeated, broken, and unsure of the solution; I need only to have faith. God will provide.
Thursday, Dec. 4
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 26:1-6; Matthew 7:21, 24-27
Reflection by Luke Timmermeyer, Seminarian Student
With these readings there is one thing that comes to mind, and that is to build a strong city or house. To do that we need to listen to what Christ has told us and to then do those very things. We are wise when we heed Christ’s words and put them close to our hearts. When hard times come we can take what has been said to us and use that to help us push through those hard times. We need to make Christ our sturdy ground as there will always be hard times but, if we have him as our rock, then we will not be swayed as much.
Friday, Dec. 5
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 29:17-24; Matthew 9:27-31
Reflection by Brittany Henning, Newman Head Softball Coach
In the readings, God promises a better future, and then Jesus becomes the fulfillment of that very promise. I feel both comfort and conviction from these passages. Comfort, because God’s heart has always been toward healing, clarity, and restoration. Conviction, because Jesus’s question echoes into my own life: Do you believe I am able to do this? Not just belief in general, but to trust Him in the specific places where I feel stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain. Ultimately, these passages remind me that God is both the author of restoration and the one who brings it to completion. My part is to keep following, keep asking, and keep believing that He is able to do what He has promised.
Saturday, Dec. 6
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26; Matthew 9:35–10:1, 5, 6-8
Brenda Whitley, Admissions Office Assistant and ASC Associate
Although both readings were written at different times, they both speak of compassion. Isaiah tells us how God will be compassionate by providing the people of Zion bread and water they need. Matthew tells how Jesus taught the twelve disciples how to be compassionate by feeding and healing the lost ones. By reading these passages, we learn how to be compassionate with one another to heal and grow in spirit. A great reminder to all of us is to never forget that we can always help a stranger as small as that gesture may be. With compassion, we become an instrument of God.
To follow reflections throughout the 2025 Advent season, please visit: https://newmanu.edu/advent
