Dear Parishioners, How do we not lose sight of Christmas? The Thanksgiving leftovers are still in the fridge and here Fr. Mark is already talking about Christmas. Why? We begin our season of preparation for Christmas this weekend with the 1st Sunday of Advent. I have observed in the past how quickly the days of Advent seem to go by. Yet this is one of those years where we have four full weeks of Advent because Christmas day falls on a Sunday in 2022. Most people like the Advent season because it doesn’t seem to be as difficult or intense as Lent. This is true. Also, we have all the festive Christmas music and all the other things that remind us how joyous this season is. Lent is definitely more somber. Yet what is the purpose of Advent? We are to prepare our hearts to receive Christ! Yes, Advent is about the love of God at work. Look around you in the four weeks that precede Christmas. Look closely! Where is God at work in the people and things around you? Can you make yourselves a part of that love so that others can also see how they can open their hearts to Christ? Advent has begun. What can you do to make this a spiritual season to prepare for God’s love? Thanks for reading! Fr. Mark