First Sunday of Advent

11-30-2025Pastor's CornerFr. Bob Deehan

This weekend begins the season of Advent. A number of years ago, Bishop Joseph Maguire of Springfield, MA, wrote a pastoral letter to the people of his diocese entitled, Enduring Love, about the meaning of Advent as a time of preparation for Christmas. He asked them to pledge to spend the season of Advent in preparation for the birth of Christ and resist anything that tries to make the feast of Christ’s birth a secular, commercial holiday. I’d like to share with you a portion of his letter with the hope that you, too, might make this pledge.

“During these days of preparation, I promise to reflect on the splendor of God’s love for me and on the sincerity of my response, made in faith to Him. I resolve to strengthen my marriage and family vows. I will do everything in my power to teach others the real meaning of Christmas.

As I ponder the glad tidings of great joy heralding the age of peace and justice, I will examine my own lifestyle, struggling to overcome hostility or anger and seeking the end of oppression by living more simply and sharing more generously with others. Mindful of the poverty of others, I resolve to resist excessive spending and to concentrate on the bonds of love linking me to my family. Lord Jesus, You came as our life, our way and our truth. During these days of Advent, let me be a symbol of Your message living in our world. Let my life truly reflect Your kingdom.”

How will you keep this season of Advent a time of preparation for Christmas? What plans do you have to prepare yourself spiritually? In what ways will you focus more attention on the Nativity of Jesus and less on Santa Claus for yourself and your family? An Advent wreath helps build anticipation as family members mark the time leading up to the celebration of Jesus’ birth. A manger scene makes a wonderful “teachable moment” for young ones as they look with fascination at the figures of the crèche. Offering charity to the needy in some special way is a wonderful way to share the love of God, which we celebrate at Christmas. May this Advent season be especially holy and meaningful for you and your family because you have pledged to focus not on the secularism and commercialism of the season, but on Who we are preparing to celebrate at Christmas: Jesus!

God bless you!