The season of Advent

An Advent message from the Vice-President, Father Anthony Casamento csma:

It’s that time of the year again where everything is shouting out to us that “it is Christmas soon!” And if you are like me, your heart sinks and you think, “It can’t be, I’m not ready!”

It is for this reason that the Church sets apart the season of Advent that we have just entered. A season of preparation and of reflection. In a sense, a season of making ready.

And for me personally, I think I need Advent this year more than ever. No one would disagree that the past year has been one of unexpected challenges and trials. One that has tested our humanity. This time of Advent gives us the opportunity to reflect on these past few months in the context of the hope that comes with the birth of Jesus at Christmas.

As we journey through the scriptures in Advent, we are reminded of the themes of prophecy, of joy, of the birth of Christ, and of the hope that comes with the fulfillment of God’s promises to His people. All critical if we are to begin to make some sense of what has happened in 2020.

Over these weeks of Advent, I encourage you to take some time out of your busyness to prepare your hearts for the coming of God into our world this Christmas, so that when the great feast of Christmas does arrive, we can enter it full of peace, hope and joy!

Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Fr Anthony Casamento csma
Vice President