Blessings of This Advent Season

Today begins the season of Advent, the holy time of waiting in faith and hope for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. At the time of Jesus’ birth there was fear and violence in the world, especially in the land of his birth. As we know, this is still true in so many parts of the world.

During Advent we are reminded that God promises to be with us always, in the darkness and in the light, in our suffering and in our joy. The Advent wreath is a symbol of hope which we are blessed by daily throughout this season. Each candle represents the light that shines through the darkness – Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.

In the Prologue of the Rule, St. Benedict wrote, “Let us get up then, at long last, for the Scriptures rouse us when they say, ”It is high time for us to arise from sleep” (Rom. 13:11). Let us open our eyes to the light that comes from God, and our ears to the voice from the heavens that every day calls out this charge: “If you hear God’s voice today, do not harden your hearts.]” (Ps. 95:8).”

We pray that you and your loved ones be especially blessed this Advent season as we wait and reflect, individually, and together.