“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” (John 1:1-2)

“The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and to the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas. From the earliest days of the Church, people have been fascinated by Jesus’ promise to come back. But the scripture readings during Advent tell us not to waste our time with predictions. Advent is not about speculation. Our Advent readings call us to be alert and ready, not weighted down and distracted by the cares of this world (Lk 21:34-36). Like Lent, the liturgical color for Advent is purple since both are seasons that prepare us for great feast days. Advent also includes an element of penance in the sense of preparing, quieting, and disciplining our hearts for the full joy of Christmas.” – https://www.usccb.org/prayer-worship/liturgical-year/advent

This past weekend started the first week of the advent season. And how fitting it was to see today’s scripture as the verse-of-the-day from biblegateway. “In the beginning was the Word.” The Apostle John starts his gospel with the truth that Jesus, the Word of life, is God and was with God at the beginning. The same Jesus that was present at the beginning; is the same Jesus born of the virgin Mary; the same Jesus who chose to die on the cross for the sins of all; is the same Jesus who conquered death and rose on the third day; and is the same Jesus who will return and fulfill the prophecies of Revelation. This week we start our own preparations for the second coming of the Lord. We rejoice as we recognize the birth of Christ Jesus, but we also praise God for His promise to return and offer His salvation to all who are faithful. So let me be the first to say, Merry Christmas, and may God bless us all as we enter this time of celebration.