Advent, the Season of Hope and Change!

It's the third week of Advent and the hope of the coming Messiah draws near. Advent is the season of hope. We remember Christ's coming 2000 years ago and recall all the predictions of the prophets promising a Savior. And we, with Simeon in the temple, are privileged to see Him! We look forward to the hope of the future when we will live with Him in eternal glory. And we live today in hope that, despite all the evils of the world and the darkness of sin that still permeates our world like a toxic spill, we renew our hope in Christ. "All things work together for good to those that love Him and serve according to His purpose." Yes, we have ample reason to hope.

And Advent is the season of change. We hear St. John the Baptist's call to "reform" our lives and, hopefully, we answer. If we do, what a joy the Christmas season will be! We will stand in the temple of the Lord rejoicing like Simeon the Prophet who said, "Master, now you may dismiss your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." (Luke 2:29-32). Rejoice and be glad for your salvation is near!