It is hard to believe that this is the First Sunday in the Advent season. As time goes by so quickly, it seems all the more important that we take the opportunity that Advent provides each year.

We are clearly moving into the winter season when days are shorter, nights are longer and darkness is more prevalent. The cold in the early morning hours doesn’t seem to affect Abby but it sure wakes me up!

One of the primary symbols of Advent revolves around light and warmth. In church, we have our traditional Advent wreath and the procession of candles during the responsorial psalm. With each new week, lighting an additional candle not only signifies our waiting and progress toward Christmas but brightens the way and adds warmth in the midst of this wintry time.

These days can become so hectic with all the preparations we do for Christmas. Advent provides a sense of peace and respite and we remember the importance and the significance of all these preparations.

We begin listening to the beautiful Advent readings from Isaiah the Prophet who speaks about his vision of the coming kingdom of God and what it will be like when the Messiah comes to fulfill the promise of God. Whenever I hear these readings, a sense of longing and expectation sweeps over me and I know what season we are in!

So why not treat yourself to a little Advent this year. Sit by your hearth, light a candle, curl up with a cup of cocoa and allow that anticipation for the coming of God to build in your heart. May you treasure that yearning within and know that the coming of God is just around the corner.