First Sunday of Advent

"The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'" From the Gospel according to Matthew. . .

And Advent is upon us. It is a time to slow down and reflect on what it means that the coming of the Lord is nigh. It is a time to do a little housecleaning from within. And it is a time to prepare ourselves for the great and awesome time to come. Are you ready?

In the early days of Christianity, Advent was spent much like the season of Lent: fasting and praying in preparation for the coming of God with Us, or Emmanuel. People recognized that their hearts had been held captive by sin and greed and that God has now ransomed them by sending himself to us in the form of his baby son.

Through the years, advent wreaths came into being with the lighting of one candle per week during the four weeks leading up to the Nativity. Two purples, then a pink and then a purple, with many now adding a white candle on Christmas Eve. The purple candles represent the liturgical color of repentence as well as the majesty of our Lord Jesus.

This first Sunday and week to follow, we are asked to repent and turn around. We are asked to begin our preparations: now the outward signs of trees and gifts, but our hearts. (of course I don't mean to suggest no shopping!)

Stay tuned for more on Advent in the Second Sunday of Advent.

But, first, here are a couple of cute pictures to share: The first is of my baby boy Aidan, who looks so grown up! and the second is Aidan and Ellie.