Dear Parishioners:

This Sunday we begin a new Liturgical year (Year C) with the season of Advent. We have experienced separation and worry because of the Pandemic but also great hope and great acts of care. This new liturgical year begins with new colors, new readings and different sights and sounds. O Come, O Come Emmanuel is our cry.

Latin adventus is the translation of the Greek word parousia, commonly used to refer to the Second Coming of Christ. For Christians, the season of Advent anticipates the coming of Christ from two different perspectives. The season offers the opportunity to share in the ancient longing for the coming of the Messiah, and to be alert for his Second Coming. It is a season of preparation not only for Christ’s birth but also for the final coming of our Lord.

This season has much the same feeling as a woman who awaits the birth of her child with all the anticipation, wonder, and joy as she awaits this gift of life. We too as Christians use this season to help us in our awaiting the coming of our Lord.

One focal point for the Advent season is the Advent Wreath. The wreath dates back to ancient celebrations of the winter solstice, that time of year when the sun reaches its southernmost point in the heavens and the days are the darkest and gloomiest. Because the ancients longed for the return of the sun’s light and life, they stopped all usual activity, sacrificed their wagon wheels, and hung them up, festooned with lights and greens in their celebration halls. There they awaited the return of the sun-god, thinking of the warmth and light he brought. Celebrations culminated in the “nativity” of the sun -–the turning point of the year.

As Christians, we use the same meaningful custom to anticipate the feast of light and life – the Nativity of the Savior. We illumine one light on the wreath for each Sunday in Advent. We remember the darkness of Adam’s sin and watch the growing hope and light as the prophets and the Virgin Mary help us to prepare for His saving birth.

Let this season of Advent not get lost in the hustle and bustle of this holiday season. Let Advent be a time of hope and joyful anticipation. To help prepare for Christmas this Advent the sacrament of reconciliation will be available Monday, December 16 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Again, let our cry be O Come, O Come, Emmanuel!

Advent Blessings!

Msgr. John Shamleffer

The parish office is closed Wednesday through Friday and will reopen Monday, December 2.