Dear John,

It’s hard to believe that 2019 is nearly at an end.  But for us, the Body of Christ, a new year begins today – a new Liturgical Year.  What an opportunity for a fresh start!   As we begin our Advent journey together, let our hearts be filled with hope and anticipation.    

Each week from now until Christmas, I would like to share a devotional inspiration and a set of Scripture readings to help you prepare for a truly meaningful celebration of Christ’s birth.  Today’s readings are:

First reading:  Isaiah 2:1-5

Psalm: 122:1-9

Second reading: Romans 13: 11-14

Gospel: St. Matthew 24: 37-44

Here is a link to today's readings.

There is tremendous hope in today’s readings that God Himself can teach us His ways―ways that lead to peace among people and nations, if we would only go to the Father’s house and learn.  In today’s second reading, St. Paul encourages us to wake up and “cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.”  The good news is that we can choose to do just that.  Our Catholic Faith gives us many opportunities through the Sacraments, the Scriptures and the traditions of our Church for a fresh start as we anticipate the birth of Christ.

Our Lord wants us to prepare our hearts to welcome the gift of His Son with joy.  He gives us all the graces necessary for our conversion of heart.  If you have not received the healing and grace of a good Confession in awhile, this Advent I invite you to experience the forgiveness and peace God gives us through this Sacrament.

Among EWTN’s faith-filled programs to encourage and inspire you this week (all times Eastern):

In Concert:  Christmas in Vienna.  Anticipate Christ’s birth with a special concert of international music by the Vienna Symphonic Orchestra and the world-famous Vienna Boys Choir performing Christmas songs from around the world.  Dec 1, 1:30 PM (90 mins.)

Advent Reflections.  Every week during Advent an insightful group of priests share private thoughts and personal meditations relevant to this joyous season of expectation and preparation.   Starting Dec 1 on Sundays 4:00 PM and Saturdays 1:30 AM (30 mins.)

Advent at Ephesus.  Tour the devout community of the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles at the Priory of Ephesus and accompany them as they record their album of Advent hymns.  Dec 6, 5:30 PM (30 mins.)

1531 – A Story That Is Not Finished Yet.  Through this riveting story, relive the testimonies of St. Juan Diego, Bishop Zumárraga and the Friars and soldiers who witnessed the miraculous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  Dec 7, 8:00 PM; Dec 9, 1:30 AM (90 mins.)

I pray that your burdens ease and your heart becomes filled with light as we journey together this Advent season toward the birth of our Savior. 

May God bless you with a Holy Advent,

Father Joseph