Advent

This is the wonderful season of Advent! It is often lost in the rush of Christmas preparation. But it is a wonderful time of penance, reflection and joy as we await the birth of our King!

I keep an Advent wreath in my home. On Saturday night, I light the candles according to the week and say the appropriate prayers. I do this at suppertime. In the Divine Office, we will soon say the "O Antiphons" as we approach Christmas.

Taking the time to reflect during this holy season of Advent will make Christmas festivities all the more tranquil and joyous. In this regard particularly, I admire our Orthodox brethren. Their Christmas celebrations are much more reverent. They are not a time for drinking and carrying on. I too, wish to celebrate Christmas with the solemnity with which it is due. I spend Christmas Eve in church for Lessons and Carols, Posada Procession and the Midnight Mass. Christmas Day is for rest and a simple meal.

Next week, my parish will be holding an Advent Penance Service. There will be special music, special Biblical readings and time to make confession. It is a wonderful thing to do before the Christmas Octave. Advent is a good time for those who have been away from the Church to return. It is also a good time for the church goer to make a deeper commitment to the Faith.