LOVING ADVENT

 I love Advent. It starts on the Sunday nearest to the feast of St. Andrew ( around Nov 30th), and goes for the  four Sundays leading up to Christmas. My favourite time of year. Second Advent Sunday is the Bethlehem Candle.That's today.

 First Sunday in Advent is the Advent of Hope. 

 The second candle is called the Bethlehem candle. To represent  Jesus who was born in a manger.

 Third Sunday of Advent in the Shepherd's Candle.  We are reminded that angels proclaimed His birth, and that plain ordinary people today spread the same word.

 Third Sunday is called the Candle of Love

 John Paul II said in 1999 in his Christmas message that. whether we like it or not:       "Christmas is a living reality, repeated every year".

 Fourth Sunday in the Angel's candle.

 "Behold I bring unto you good tiding of great joy!"

 Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. Even though there are conflicts in the world. 

The ability to experience JOY as an everyday occurrence. 

To appreciate Life.


Being Connected .

 love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to Give as well as receive.

   It is contagious.

 The last candle, the white Christ Candle, is lit on Christmas day, or as close to Christmas day as possible.  My favourite quote  comes from Fr. Andrew Greely, Born 1928 and Died 2013 in Illinois.

"It might be easy to runaway to a monastery, away from the commercialization, the hectic hustle , the demanding family responsibilities of Christmas time......

 "Then we would have a Holy Christmas. But we would forget the lesson that we are followers of Jesus who do not run from the secular....."

 "Rather we try to transform it...."

 "It is our mission to make holy the secular aspects of Christmas just as the early Christians baptized ......
the Christmas tree.....
 "And we do this by being holy people...Kind , Patient, Generous, Loving, Laughing People. No matter how maddening is the Christmas rush." 

                                    Be generous. Be loving.  Happy Advent.