ADVENT 2022
Dear Friends in Christ:
November 27th is the First Sunday of Advent. We are beginning a new Church year as we prepare to relive the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Four Sundays will focus on the meaning of the “coming” as we move closer and closer to the celebration of Christmas. Advent also invites us to reflect on the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. In all the rush of decorating, shopping, baking and parties, are we preparing for the coming of the Christ into our lives? What might that look like for us? What changes might we make in our lives this season of “preparation”? The four candles on the Advent wreath each have their own special meaning. This might be a great place for us to reflect and consider how we might live differently this Advent season.
The first candle symbolizes hope. Our hope rests in God’s sending us someone to teach us and lead us into the Kingdom of God. Where do we see hope in our lives today? We’re coming off a pandemic and life still is not back to what many of us would consider “normal.” Where is our hope centered? What hope do we offer others?
The second candle stands for peace. Christians call Jesus the Prince of Peace. He offers us a peace that passes understanding. We hear on the news of more shootings, more devastation in Ukraine, North Korea making threatening gestures. Doesn’t sound very peaceful to us! Where and with whom do we find peace? Who do we know might need to hear words of peace from us? How might we be peacemakers?
The third candle stands for love. For God so loved us that God sent us Jesus. He came with words of hope and peace. He came to show us a different way that was life giving. He came out of love to share love and invite us to be loving people. (My motto for this is Love God, love others and change the world). Where do we find love? Who around us needs love and how will we offer it?
The fourth candle stands for joy. The joy is God’s gift of Jesus. It’s the joy that makes Mary sing and realize God has chosen her to be a vessel of God’s love for the world out of pure, divine joy! Where do we experience the love that makes a difference in our lives (think of family, friends etc.)? Who do we see around us that needs to experience joy and how might we share it with them?
Advent is a time for us to prepare spiritually. It’s time to reflect on what God is doing in our lives and what we are being challenged to live out. Advent is about hope, peace, love and joy ... are we up to the task of living these things out in our lives faithfully?
With warmest regards, I remain,
Faithfully yours in Christ,
Fr. Pat
