November 27, 2021
Click here to view this week's Mass. The video for the 4 PM vigil Mass will be available by about 7 PM on Saturday.
This weekend we are celebrating the first Sunday of Advent. In the Church calendar, today is the first day of the New Year. Because today it all begins! The beginning of the days leading up to a Baby lying in a manger on Christmas morning. The beginning of God pouring out God's love for us by becoming a human person. The beginning of Jesus' teaching, healing, dying and rising!
Growing up in the Clabeaux household, my parents assured that the First Sunday of Advent, and the whole Advent season, was different from the rest of the year. Nothing says 'different' better than a pine branch wreath in the middle of the dinner table with purple and pink candles on it. And we each got a turn at lighting them! First one, then two the following week, then three, and then all four! A magnificent display of the light of Christ starting out small and growing amidst our dinner time conversations.
The First Sunday of Advent was also the day that the Advent Calendar was put up on the door between the kitchen and dining room. We could open one new 'window' on it each day. I remember wanting to skip ahead and open the December 24 window right away to see what this year's magnificent picture of Jesus in the manger would look like. But we always waited, and we prepared.
The household had a different feeling in the air during Advent. Everyone was more kind than usual. My brothers and sisters were quick to say 'no problem' if I did something wrong. There was more interest than usual in how the neighbors were doing; who was sick, who needed help with something.
I am so glad that my parents made Advent special in this way for all of us kids; that they made it clear that this was a time to prepare. To set aside differences, to treat each other with more respect, and to love our neighbors. To prepare the way of the Lord!
Have a wonderful Advent Season as together we prepare for the coming of Christ into our world on Christmas morning, and at the end of times!
God's Peace,
Deacon Dave