"Brethren, knowing that it is now the hour for us to rise from sleep. For now our salvation is nearer than when we believed." - (Rom. 13:11-14)
A Joyful anticipation...
It's the first Sunday of Advent. The Church once again alternates her joys and her sorrows. For the first time since the Ember days in September, we see violet vestments as the priest celebrates Holy Mass and we are reminded of this season's penitential spirit.
In November, we have been thinking about death, praying for the faithful departed and perhaps visiting the graves of our loved ones. Now, as we enter into December and the beginning of Advent, we still want to maintain a Catholic spirit of penance and prayer, yet we are awaiting a great joy and our hearts are invariably turned toward the coming of the Savior!
We wait - we refrain from celebrating Christmas as if it has already come; we increase our prayers and sacrifices - so the greater joy will be ours when we welcome Christ into our hearts at Christmas.
- by Jane Carver
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