Lighting The Way

The calendars turn, both the secular and sacred.

As we begin a new month we also begin a new liturgical year. Deriving from the Sunday nearest to the Feast of St. Andrew, the first Apostle called, we are now called to "prepare the way of the Lord".

Leaving a month in which we recall the Four Last Things and pray for those "marked with the sign of Faith" and those who faith is known only by God, we now enter the season of Advent, where we will count the days until the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is celebrated.

We heed the words of St. John the Baptist. While our preparation is not as severe as Lent, it still is a time of penitence. We hear the longing in our hearts for redemption, much as the world did some two millennia ago. Then as now, how we reply and respond is critical. Will we recognize the Christ Child like the shepherd and Magi or just go on what we think is our "merry" way?

As we get ready materially, so also spiritually. Make the time in the hustle and bustle of December to be still, to reflect upon the beginning of the penultimate chapter of  "The Greatest Story Ever Told". Deck the halls, trim the tree, light the candles of the Advent wreath, erect the Creche. Make ready the gifts, not only those we give to others, but also what we can (and should) give to Him.

Yes, the darkness of this time of the year increases.

The four tapers await you.

As well as the Light of the World.