Advent

The idea, and later, the practice of Advent was conceived as a period of preparation to make ourselves worthy to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of the Savior of the world. Although theologians and historians have tried, it has not been possible to pin down the exact start of Advent. History seems to show Advent evolve over the course of time. There are references in sermons and works specific to Advent from St. Ambrose, St. Augustine, and Pope St. Leo, all of whom served the church in the late 4th or 5th centuries.

The homilies of St. Gregory the Great, in the late sixth century, referenced four weeks to the liturgical season of Advent. And, somewhere about the ninth century, the Church determined that the ecclesiastical year would begin with the first Sunday of Advent. If you are curious, there’s a lot more to explore about this Advent adventure, but suffice to say that the passion to prepare for the coming of our Savior has a long and vibrant history!

So, how should we prepare? 

Fortunately, we have many guides who can show us a way, from St. Francis of Assisi (“Let us live in joy and love during this holy time, awaiting the birth of our Savior with hope and faith.”) to St. John Paul II (“We must be a people of hope and charity, awaiting the Lord with open hearts.”). We can also harken back to the magi, guided by a single star, and the shepherds, perplexed yet encouraged by an angelic announcement, who set out to see for themselves the great gift of God sending His only Son to remind us of our true calling: Children of God.

Like those shepherds who “returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen…” (LUKE 2:20), many of our own parishioners want to share how they have seen God at work right here in our midst.

We hope these God Sightings from some of our youngest to some of our oldest parishioners might inspire your Advent reflections and preparations.

With our best wishes for a meaningful and holy Advent.


Your Beacon Team,

Kevin Dwyer*
Randy Harper
Grace Everett
Pat Flathouse
Karen May
Cathy McGuiness
This month’s Beacon was written by Cathy McGuiness