Invisible Advent


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When Christmas decorations and songs begin even before Thanksgiving, it is hard to observe the Advent season of waiting and preparing. How do we block out the hoopla and hear the beautiful Advent readings and hymns of longing for the coming of the Savior of the world. Yes, he has already come, but he wants to come more fully into our lives.

Mary was pregnant for nine months preparing for Jesus' birth. We too are pregnant with the possibilities of birthing Jesus into a world torn apart by divisions, antipathies, and wars. What can we do to bring healing and peace in our families, cities, and country? How can we reach out to refugees, immigrants, the homeless, and the forgotten?  How can we share our abundance with those in need? That should be our concern, our focus, during this holy season.

As we decorate our trees and write our Christmas cards, may we pray and reach out to those who won't have a tree or receive a card. Pope Francis has urged us to open our hearts to the invisible members of our society during this Advent season. "Come Lord Jesus, come!"

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