The Bible and the Liturgy do not … speak to us about a natural light, but a different, special light, which is somehow directed to and focused upon “us”, the same “us” for whom the Child of Bethlehem “is born”. This “us” is the Church, the great universal family of those who believe in Christ, who have awaited in hope the new birth of the Saviour, and who today celebrate in mystery the perennial significance of this event.

“Mary was given unique grace because the ‘yes’ she was asked to give was so big!” -Author Maria Ruiz Scaperlanda

As Catholics, we are called to celebrate the liturgical seasons of the Church and to imitate them. That means we cannot jump right into Christmas and skip Advent. That would be like a couple meeting for the first time and deciding to skip getting to know each other and jumping right into marriage. That would spell disaster.

Happy New Year, Church!
Find an Advent wreath and buy those candles! The first Sunday of Advent is Nov. 29!