Today is the First Sunday in Advent, the beginning of another Year of Grace. Advent is a very beautiful season in the Church’s year, the hymns and music, the Scripture readings, the prayers, the anticipation of Christmas and the beauty of the sunsets. It is the wonderful season of preparation for the Feast of Christmas. The Season of Advent is marked by darkness as we approach the shortest day of the year. It is significant that Christmas is celebrated a few days after the winter solstice, when the night begins to yield to the light of the day. The birth of the Christ Child was the beginning of our salvation and the conquering of the darkness of sin and death.

It has become a popular custom in the Christmas Season for candles to be placed in the windows of homes as a symbol of the Light of the World who was born on Christmas over two thousand years ago.

This past year has been one of social and political turmoil that has caused great sadness even pain to Americans. Add the pandemic and its effects to the mix, we certainly need a little Christmas, now.

Although it may seem dark, Advent prepares us for the Light coming into our world. Darkness can never overcome the light. The sadness or sinfulness of this world will never win over goodness and grace.

This Advent Season we must remind the world of the Good News of Jesus Christ who alone can pierce the darkness of this world. Put candles in your windows and they will be witness to the Light in the darkness!

Think of four different things we can do spiritually for the four weeks of Advent. Possibly,

1. Praying the rosary with the family;


2. Contribute to the Parish “Giving Tree” and taking the time to find presents for needy children and families;


3. Making a holy hour during the day. Our parish Church is open from 6:00AM -7:00PM, or visit a church with Adoration;


4. Spending some extra time in spiritual reading, especially as regards Our Lady. There are so many good sites on the Internet, particularly FORMED, which you can get from our website.