From the Pastor...

Sunday, November 30, begins a new liturgical year with the season of Advent.  This wonderful, yet too often, overlooked, season affords us the opportunity to prepare for the coming of Christ.  As the season of Advent begins, we are reminded that there are three comings of Christ we celebrate: [1] his coming into human history at Bethlehem, [2] his coming at the end of human history, [3] and his coming into our hearts. Jesus reminds us to be vigilant at all times and pray that we have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man. Let us take time during this wonderful season of preparation to make ourselves ready for the coming of Christ, not only at Christmas, but for all eternity.  During this Advent season, let us welcome the radiant light which is the Lord, Jesus Christ – Emmanuel, into our hearts and into our homes.

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JOHN THE FORERUNNER

In addition to Christ himself, two people stand as a hallmark of the Advent season – The Blessed Virgin Mary and John the Baptizer.  The icon of John the Forerunner depicts him as the adult prophet who is preparing the world for the coming of Jesus Christ. Illustrated in his camel hair coat and leather belt and with his wild hair, he also holds the scroll announcing to “repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”  May the image of Saint John during advent challenge us to work to prepare the way of the Lord.