Today we begin the journey of Advent; a time of hope and anticipation of the coming of the Lord at Christmas, but also for Christ’s second coming.

Sunday Readings
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25:4-14
1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2
Luke 21:25-36

Stewardship Reflection For us as Catholics, our liturgical year ended November 25 with the Feast of Our Lord Christ the King, and our new ecclesiastical year began December 2 with the First Sunday of Advent. Advent is a time of waiting and expectation — a season of quiet anticipation and preparation. We are waiting for our Lord to come into the world as the baby Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem. We are also preparing for His return, His second coming as the shepherd-king, to restore harmony and right relationships to all creation. Advent is a season yearning for God to come and set the world right with perfect justice, truth, and peace. It is a season of hope.

Advent is also a time to emphasize our preparation through prayer and fasting. Advent’s prayers should be prayers of humble devotion and commitment, prayers for deliverance, prayers of gladness and joyful expectation, prayers that await the light of Christ coming into the world.

The word “Advent” means “coming” or “coming toward.”  It has the same roots as the word “arrival.”  It is our time to prepare for the “coming” or “arrival” of the King — of Christmas. (Note that “mas” in Spanish means “more,” so we might say, in a sense, that Christmas means “more Christ.”)

Stewardship is sort of an eternal Christmas.  Stewardship means, of course, “All that I am and all that I have is in trust (or entrusted) to me from God.” Advent is a time of preparation to share in the extravagant goodness and grace of God.  A blessed Advent to all!  By Ed Laughlin

The Rite of Welcome will be celebrated during the 10:30 Mass today. Can you imagine the hopefulness our 2019 RCIA candidates have? How about us; are we spiritually hopeful? Do you have time during this Advent season to reflect on the seeds of hope, faith and joy that God has planted within you?

The Dynamic Catholic offers a daily video and reflection to help you have the Best Advent Ever  There is also an option to receive daily emails with links to the videos.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops‘ website has daily readings, reflections, traditions, and prayers to help you celebrate Advent 2018 USCCB.org

Formed.org hosts online Advent materials that you can watch, listen to, and read. Sign up with your email address here.