"The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst. He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, He will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals."

Love changes everything. It changed God! He emptied himself and became one of us. He sings with joy over us and renews us in the power of his love.

Consider: Christmas Carols
Some of these songs are about a God who could not live without us!
When we hear those Christmas Carols, played 24/7, we can hear God singing to us a love song. 

Advent Prayer by Gregory Norbert
May the waiting of the God of Advent touch you in your listening heart. May the companionship of Christ Jesus nurture you with gentleness this day.
May the tender mercy of God draw you to the gentle compassion meant for you.
May the witness of Mary, the mother of Jesus, inspire you to magnify, to the world, your own greatness and beauty of soul.
May the Spirit of Jesus be born in you, for others to see, a light shining with the radiance of a love that is humble and real, gracious an overflowing!

While the advertizing world around us has been ramping up the Christmas season for weeks with "holiday specials," let's keep this Advent time "special" by focusing on Jesus' coming into our lives. John the Baptist isn't talking about the infant Jesus, but points our attention towards the adult Christ. He calls us to prepare for Christ's coming by making changes in our everyday behavior.

So we ask ourselves:
What change can I make in my daily behavior that will show my readiness to receive Christ into my life?
What Advent gift am I praying for that will help me make that change?

Spiritual Opportunities for all:
Our Parish Advent Penance Services will be celebrated this week:
Sunday, December 13 at 3:00 p.m. and Wednesday, December 16 at 7:30 p.m. - a great way to prepare for Christ's return, ready our hearts and souls through the sacrament of reconciliation.
Evening Prayer will not be celebrated this week due to our penance service.

Have a wonderful week.
Fr. Bill