Today we begin the beautiful, joyful season of Advent. I am very excited about our Family of Parishes’ attempt to “Turn Christmas Upside Down.” Advent Conspiracy,” developed by several pastors of various denominations. This is the tool we will be using to accomplish what we hope is a fresh approach to Christmas, making our Advent and Christmas more meaningful, Christ-centered, community-centered, and transformative. I strongly encourage your family to join in by using the Advent Coupon Book being distributed today.
Advent is a season of joyful anticipation of Christmas with many beautiful symbols: the pregnant virgin, the lion and the lamb at peace with each other, John the Baptist, the prophet Isaiah, the Jesse Tree, etc. Let’s take the time to really focus on them over the next few weeks. In other words, let us celebrate Advent during the Advent Season, and celebrate Christmas during the Christmas Season. The Christmas Season begins at 4 PM on December 24 and continues through the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord on January 12. There will be plenty of time to celebrate Christmas. The more we patiently wait and prepare for the Christmas Season, the more joyful it will be. It is sad when people are kind of all “Christmased Out” shortly after Christmas Day, and do not celebrate the entire season with great joy.
Also, please join us for our Parish Mission beginning next weekend . Please see details elsewhere in the edition of Harvest News.