Today, December 3, 2023, we begin the first day of the Advent season preparing for the coming of Jesus on Christmas Day. This season has different activities for many of us…..holiday shopping, cooking, parties, special events, deep cleaning to be ready for our guests and much more. A very busy time indeed.

We also need to focus on how we are preparing spiritually for Christmas Day. The picture above is of the Advent wreath from our parish with the 3 purple candles and the one pink candle. Each candle signifies a week in Advent and is lit at the family meal, accompanied by a reading or prayer specifically for that day. The first candle lit today represents HOPE. We begin our season by placing our HOPE in the ‘prophecy of the Prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah that will be fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ’ (Fr. Ray Guthrie Sunday Bulletin).

The scripture reading from the Responsorial Psalm 80: 2-3: “O shepherd of Israel, hearken, from your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth. Rouse your power, and come to save us. Lord, make us turn to you: let us see your face and we shall be saved”.

My reflection upon this Psalm included writing my own personal Advent prayer, which I plan to say daily:

”My Lord and God, Thank you for being my Father and giving me life. Thank you for giving us your Son to save us and provide salvation for us. I pray and ask for the grace to see Your merciful eyes, to hear Your voice of wisdom , to look upon Your face, knowing You love me from the beginning to the end of my journey. May I at that time then go Home with You and rest in Your arms.” Amen.

May you be filled with the anticipation, beauty and HOPE of this season. May you have purpose, joy and positives throughout the season.

PJP