Starting tonight, it's more like 22 days.
The final purple candle will not get much use this time around.
But that's OK. The Advent wreath marks the time for preparation. The more important thing is that we do prepare for the coming of the Christ Child.
We have arrived at the start of a new liturgical year. We begin what should be a familiar cycle of celebrations, times of fasting and feasting, recalling "the greatest story ever told", and being inspired by "those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith", both living and deceased. Ever ancient but ever new, this sacred cycle allow us to be both citizens of heaven and earth, pilgrims on the journey to the New Jerusalem, and witnesses to what we believe.
Because the feast of St. Andrew determines the beginning of the calendar, it also determines the length of this liturgical season. We are at the whims of how it meshes with the Gregorian calendar. It just so happens when November 30 falls on Thursday, we lose six days between the 1st. Sunday of Advent and Christmas Day.
Let us remember the time is at hand. While not as rigorous a penitential season as Lent, some mortification is in order. It is an opportunity upon which to focus and fortify our spiritual life.
While we don't have as much time this time around, we do have it.
Make the most of it.
"Prepare the way of the Lord."
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