The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word Adventus, which means “coming.” During Advent, the Church celebrates the two “comings” of Jesus Christ. We remember and celebrate at Christmas His coming in history being born as a little child. And, we look forward with anticipation to His coming in glory at the end of time. Therefore, Advent is truly a time of waiting and preparation. The temptation is for us to merely focus on Christmas, and for obvious reasons. During Advent we already hear Christmas carols, shop for Christmas gifts, begin holiday baking, and attend Christmas parties with family, coworkers, and friends. These are all good and enjoyable things. But if we only focus on Christmas, we miss the beauty and significance of the beautiful season of Advent. Therefore, my hope is that you will celebrate this season in a reverent and spiritual manner.

I’ve been thinking of how my family celebrated Advent when I was a child. Each year, we would have an Advent wreath on the kitchen table. Before dinner, we would pray and take turns lighting the candles of the wreath. A nativity scene or crèche was placed in the living room and figures on the front lawn of the house. However, the crib remained empty until Christmas Eve when we would place baby Jesus in the crèche while singing Silent Night. The Advent season is a good time to go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, particularly if it’s been a while.

What better gift can we give to Jesus on his birthday than that of a clean heart and soul?

And, it is the perfect time of year to remember the poor among us by giving a donation to those less fortunate than ourselves.

By being generous with others, we put into practice what Jesus taught us in the Gospel, “And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me’” (Matthew 25:40).

I pray that you will have a spiritually meaningful Advent season, and a blessed Christmas! May we celebrate the wonder and awe of what God has done for us through His Son, Jesus Christ! Recall the words of the angel to the shepherds who were tending their flocks on that sacred night, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).

May God bless you!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Bishop Gregory Parkes