Advent: A Season of Anticipation

Joe Paprocki Advent

Advent Attitudes

Years ago, a TV commercial effectively used Carly Simon’s song, “Anticipation” to accompany images of thick, rich ketchup slowly making its way to the opening of the bottle before being generously slathered on mouthwatering burgers and crispy French fries while a voice says, “Think of how good it’s gonna taste when it finally gets there!” The commercials ended with the claim that this ketchup has “the taste worth waiting for.”

I can’t help but think of these commercials and Carly Simon’s song every Advent as we focus on and celebrate the anticipation that is part of the Christian vision, spirit, and attitude. We are a people of hope, confident that God’s plan for us is to prosper and to have a future. To fuel this attitude of anticipation, we use the season of Advent to tap into the anticipation of God’s people who eagerly awaited the coming of Jesus Christ—that momentous turning point in history that we prepare to celebrate at Christmas.

Over the years, I’ve shared many thoughts about this joyful and hopeful season of Advent. Here’s just a sampling:

As we enter into the season of Advent and strive to be people who anticipate in hope good things, I invite you to join me in exploring other Advent Attitudes through a special e-mail series based on my book, Under the Influence of Jesus: The Transforming Experience of Encountering Christ. Sign up to receive the daily messages beginning the First Sunday of Advent, November 27, 2022.

Then order your copy of Under the Influence of Jesus at the special price of $12!

Finally, Loyola Press is once again happy to provide additional resources to assist you in your faith formation efforts throughout the season of Advent. Check out these wonderful Advent resources.

May this Advent season help us all to live with hearts filled with anticipation of an eternity spent with Jesus Christ!

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About Joe Paprocki 2742 Articles
Joe Paprocki, DMin, is National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press, where, in addition to his traveling/speaking responsibilities, he works on the development team for faith formation curriculum resources including Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts and God’s Gift: Reconciliation and Eucharist. Joe has more than 35 years of experience in ministry and has presented keynotes, presentations, and workshops in more than 100 dioceses in North America. Joe is a frequent presenter at national conferences including the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, the Mid-Atlantic Congress, and the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership. He is the author of numerous books, including the best seller The Catechist’s Toolbox, A Church on the Move, Under the Influence of Jesus, and Called to Be Catholic—a bilingual, foundational supplemental program that helps young people know their faith and grow in their relationship with God. Joe is also the series editor for the Effective Catechetical Leader and blogs about his experiences in faith formation at www.catechistsjourney.com.

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2 Comments

  1. Joe, the voice-over in that famous “Anticipation” television commercial was provided by the great Casey Kasem, who millions listened to every week on his “American Top 40” radio show.
    — Brent

    Reply

    • Hi Brent! Thanks for that fun bit of trivia! I remember Casey’s American Top 40 very well! Listened to it every Sunday morning! 😉

      Reply

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