December 19, 2021

We have now reached the Fourth (and final) Sunday of Advent and next weekend, we will celebrate the great Solemnity of Christmas – God coming to earth as one of us. This is a really good time to reflect on if and how we have prepared our hearts to celebrate during this Advent season.  A couple of key items: Have you experienced the Sacrament of Reconciliation? If not, this would be a great time to experience Jesus’ incredible forgiveness.  If you cannot find a priest this week, please let me know; I will help you! Second: Is your focus entirely on Christmas
preparations? Is an Advent wreath part of your home? It should be visible until Christmas Eve as a reminder of the season we are still in. There are many wonderful readings available to prepare yourself for Jesus’ coming. A few I recommend are Isaiah Chapter 40, and Luke 1:26-56; they are great, thought provoking readings to get ready! I am sure in some people’s eyes, all that I continue to say about Advent is my way to be a “Scrooge” in a season of joy. But in reality, the Christmas season begins next Saturday and continues all the way to Baptism of Jesus on January 9. I hope you won’t lose the “Christmas spirit” during that entire time!

- Deacon Jeff