Veni, Veni

Nightfall comes.

But tonight's sunset is important to the Christian community.

It is the Sunday vigil nearest the feast of St. Andrew.

Thus begins Advent and the start of a new liturgical year, featuring the Gospel of St. Matthew.

With Christmas Day falling on a Saturday this year, we have the second longest season the calendar can afford.

27 days of watching, waiting, preparing, praying.

Like the Blessed Virgin Mary, the days of our confinement are almost complete.

We celebrate His first coming into the world as one like us, save for sin.

We anticipate His second coming into the world to return us to the Father.

We long for Emmanuel.

In four weeks time, as well as the blink of an eye, He will be here.

Be ready.

Become ready.