Our final message series for the Liturgical year, “On Your Mark…” prompted us with Jesus’ teachings on love, sacrifice, readiness and putting ourselves “All IN”.
And as we begin this new Liturgical year with the season of Advent, we continue to build on this theme of “running the race” with the command to “Get Set,” as we imminently prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Jesus at Christmas.
We know that the Christmas “energy” can quickly be eclipsed by anxiety as we think about all that needs to be done for the celebration of Christmas. But St. Luke reminds us in the first week to “beware the anxieties of daily life.”
How can we maintain that energy and truly and authentically “get set” for the coming of Jesus at Christmas? The four virtues of Advent can be our guidepost to “get set” - getting into the Advent zone through interior movements of the heart. Exploring the four Advent virtues of hope, peace, joy and love, we will see how they can keep us in the set mode and not allow the anxiety of the busyness and preparation get the better of us.
By energizing ourselves in these Advent virtues, we aim to Get Set for Christmas in our parish community. Let’s come together to watch and wait in hope, prepare the way for peace, live joyfully through our actions, and encounter each other with love.
Week 1: Hope (December 1)
Week 2: Peace (December 8)
Week 3: Joy (December 15)
Week 4: Love (December 22)
