Dear John,

Each week from now until Christmas, I would like to share some devotional thoughts and Scripture readings to help you prepare for a joyful celebration of Christ’s birth in the midst of these challenging times. 

Today’s readings are: 

First reading: Isaiah 63:16-17, 19; 64:2-7 

Psalm: 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19 

Second reading: I Corinthians 1:3-9 

Gospel: St. Mark 13: 33-37 

The thought of a traditional Christmas seems a little unreal after all the events of the past nine months. The good news is, however, that while times and circumstances may change, God does not. As we affirm in the Nicene Creed, Jesus is “born of the Father before all ages… begotten not made, consubstantial with the Father.” Jesus, God who became Man, has always been with us. Regardless of our current challenges, we remain His family and the apple of His eye. 

As we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ compassionate birth into the human condition in all things but sin, let us be watchful and alert. If we have turned our gaze away from Him this year, let us join now with the Psalmist in asking God to help us return to Him and trust that He will help us. 

Among EWTN’s faith-filled programs to encourage and inspire you this week: 

The Hidden Shrine 

While en route to administer the sacraments to a dying man, a storm forces a priest to take shelter in the home of a fallen-away Catholic. Nov 29, 10:00 PM; Dec 5, 2:00 PM 

Saints of Europe: St. Edmund Campion 

Travel with Father Bernard McGuckian as he examines the life of St. Edmund Campion, 16th century priest and martyr arrested for his underground ministry in officially Anglican England. Dec 1, 5:30 PM 

The “Reformation”: Dissolution of Monasteries and the Pilgrimage of Grace 

In what became known as the Pilgrimage of Grace, ordinary people marched on London to protest King Henry VIII’s elimination of the biggest obstacle to his state Church, the monasteries. Dec 2, 5:30 PM; Dec 3, 11:00 AM; Dec 5 11:30 PM 

(All times Eastern. Check ewtn.com/tv/schedule for up-to-date listings.) 

May God bless you with a Holy Advent,

Father Joseph