Dear Fellow Parishioners, How comforting it is to slow down, be still, surrender to the cold of winter and gather these next four weeks around our Advent Wreath. Allow yourself a stress-free month of December in preparation of the birth of Christ anew in your heart, your hearth, your household. Being free of parties, gatherings, shopping, hustle, bustle, harried activity and breathing in the opportunity to really enter the true meaning of the Advent Season, is one of the best gifts we can give, and receive during this pandemic.
There is something mesmerizing and hypnotizing that happens when we look at each candle of the wreath being lighted and getting brighter as Christmas draws near. The days get colder and darker, yet the wreath becomes brighter and warmer in the glow of the awakening spirit of the Word-made-flesh!
My wreath is in the center of my dining room table. I light it when I sit for my supper meal, and before I do I sing a verse of O Come O Come Immanuel, or O Radiant Light; calling on the presence of the long awaited Messiah to dine with me. As I do, I reflect on the times Jesus dined with so many: Martha, Mary and Lazarus, Zacchaeus, the Pharisees. He dined with the disciples many times - especially at the Last Supper; and of course, the many peoples assembled at the multiplication of the loaves and fishes and on the Road to Emmaus where the disciples recognized him in the breaking of the bread! Imagine, taking the time to invite Jesus to dine with you and your family! And more often than not, Jesus listened to those who were at table with him, rather than doing all the talking. What a wonderful gift, to have an opportunity as individuals or family to share what lies in your heart as a prayer to Jesus. I think of all the times Jesus says, “What can I do for you?” Lord, that I may see, that I may hear, that I may walk! Each day take the time to be in conversation with the Lord; but most important, open your heart to LISTEN to His presence.
Don’t miss the opportunity this pandemic offers us to slow down, be still, surrender to the cold of winter and gather these next four weeks around our Advent Wreath. I am sure you will be glad you did!