Advent Reflections and Preparations

by Fr. John Granato  |  12/15/2024  |  Words from Fr. John

My Dear Friends,

As usual, Advent is flying by. Christmas is in ten days. This Tuesday we begin the O Antiphons in the Catholic liturgy. The O Antiphons are the words to the beautiful Advent hymn, O Come O Come Emmanuel. The excitement builds as we move closer to December 25th. The preparations are probably taking up a lot of your time. But as we continue to prepare for Christmas day with decorations, parties, food, presents and entertainment, we are also called to reflect and meditate on Advent for ten more days.

This preparation is of a spiritual manner; reading Sacred Scripture, praying the Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, attending a daily Mass or two, utilizing Advent reflection booklets, listening to beautiful Advent Gregorian Chants and lighting our Advent wreaths. Advent is also a time for us to practice almsgiving, especially for the less fortunate. Giving to charity and providing gifts for less fortunate children are but two ways to practice almsgiving.

Today, at Mass, we are wearing rose colored vestments to remind us of the joy that is imminent, but tomorrow and until Christmas Eve we return to the penitential color of violet. Have a blessed next ten days of preparation during this season of Advent.

God bless!