Dear friends in Christ, today we begin the season of Advent.  It is a time of watching and waiting for the coming of the Lord.

The Advent wreath reminds us of our yearning for God.  Its circular shape tells us of God’s everlasting love and faithfulness.  Its evergreen branches tell us of eternal life and of God’s desire for us to live with him forever.  The four candles remind us of the passing of time, our human history into which God has entered through his Son, Jesus.

This is a time of grace, a time for a new advent of Jesus into our lives.

On this First Sunday in Advent, we focus on the Lord’s second coming.  Let us heed the Gospel words of Jesus, “Be on guard; be prepared.”  As we light the first candle on the Advent wreath, may its flame bid us to be always ready for the coming of the Lord.

(c) 1988, OCP, 5536 NE Hassalo, Portland, OR, 97213.