Advent Season

Advent (from the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming") is a season of the Christian church, the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus; in other words, the period immediately before Christmas. It is the beginning of the Western liturgical year and commences on Advent Sunday. The Eastern churches begin the liturgical year on 1 September.The Eastern Christian equivalent of Advent is called the Nativity Fast but it differs both in length and observances. The progression of the season may be marked with an Advent calendar, a practice introduced by German Lutherans. At least in the Roman Catholic calendar, Advent starts on the fourth Sunday before December 25; in other words, the Sunday between November 27 and December 3 inclusive. Latin adventus is the translation of the Greek word parousia, commonly used in reference to the Second Coming. Christians believe that the season of Advent serves a dual reminder of the original waiting that was done by the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah as well as the waiting that Christians today endure as they await the second coming of Christ. (From Wikkipedia)
An Advent Prayer

Emmanuel- God with us,
I invite you today to come be with me
and grant me Your blessing.

Help me in this busy season not to miss
the miracle of Your coming in the "everyday-ness"
as well as on the feast of Christmas.

Save me from concern or anxiety
about what to give...
and help me give attention to how I give
my time, my listening and sharing
my help and attention,
my preparation for prayer and worship,
and my prayer itself.

May all this season's gatherings
with family, at Church, at work and with friends
be filled with the joy, reverence and patience
which Advent celebrates.

As Your follower and beloved child
may I prepare my heart
so that Your Word may become flesh
in me and in all whom I meet.

Amen.

From the Pastor's Desk
Fr. Jed Sumampong, C.P