Good Morning,
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday for many reasons. We gather with family and friends for what should be a relaxing and fun-filled weekend, but what I like most about the holiday is that it truly seems to be the calm before the storm. As soon as Monday hits, the race to Christmas begins in earnest! Shopping and decorating add to our already busy schedules outside of school, and the looming semester exams, only two weeks away, certainly can create a frantic energy within our building. This hectic time of year, of course, also coincides with the holy season of Advent.
Sunday's Gospel readings remind us, it is a time to be awake and ready:
Be vigilant at all times.... Your redemption is at hand. (Luke 21:36, 28)
To me, this means that not only is Advent a time of anticipation for the celebration that is Jesus' birth, but more importantly, it is a call for us to see that the coming of Jesus is now. When we experience difficulties in life, Jesus is there. When we feel sorrow or frustration, Jesus is there. When we feel joy and excitement, Jesus is there. The challenge of Advent then is this - for us to live in such a way that others know Jesus is present in our lives now. Always has been, always will!
God bless each of you during this most holy season and may His peace carry you through these hectic days!
It's a great day to be a Patriot!
Matt
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