Advent

A Note from Father Dan

With Advent we begin another liturgical year, another year of grace. There is a singular beauty to Advent in the church, it invites us to calm down and remove ourselves from the hectic pace in our preparation to celebrate Christmas, although it is good and necessary to prepare for Christmas, Advent invites us to prepare spiritually for the coming of Christ. If we pay attention we see the sights and sounds of Advent in the liturgy sets the scene for quiet reflection; there is no Gloria at Mass, the music is more subdued and the liturgical color is violet. The Advent wreath is the visible reminder of the waiting in expectation for the coming of Jesus, as the ‘light of the world’.
I would like to offer some suggestions as how each of us can prepare spiritually during Advent. Have a family Advent Wreath and light it together each evening with the appropriate prayers; think about attending our Advent Parish Mission; use the Advent books that are provided with daily reflections and activities; and make a special effort to bring the entire family to Confession before celebrating the birth of Christ. However you and your family choose to celebrate Advent, ember: “Come, Lord Jesus” is our hope, not only for Advent and Christmas, but for our entire life’s journey.
God Bless, Fr. Dan