The start of Advent is just a few hours away and in some ways, how appropriate for this "silence" in our state/community right now... as Advent is a time of waiting and watching for the two-fold coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The first, one which almost the entire world looks
forward to every year, although not always for the
same reason, is Christmas. The wonderful time of gift giving!
A lot of attention and focus during the Advent Season tends to be in preparation for buying gifts for others, that we unfortunately forget to think of how my household and I can prepare a gift for Jesus, something I also fall into. It is his birthday we’re
celebrating, am I thinking of what I can give him?
Just as we all want to make sure we show our affection to our loved ones by giving thoughtful gifts to them, let’s prepare something extra special to give him this year. It’s been challenging for all of us, but how blessed we still are. What can I and my
household gift to him this year?
The second thing that we are waiting for, and should still be preparing, is Jesus’ second coming. The first coming was at his birth at Christmas over 2,000 years
ago in a little town called Bethlehem. His second coming is the promise he made to all of us just before he ascended back into heaven, that he will come back and take us to himself. When that will happen, no one knows but the Father.
Are we excited for that? Are we ready for it? Do we want Jesus to come back? This is a serious question to reflect on, because when he does return, things will not be the way they are today. There will be a major change. We say we love him, but do we fear his return?
This Advent, let’s get to know Jesus in a more intimate way, and let’s not do it on our own. With many things on “pause” right now in our society, let’s take advantage of this time to get to know Jesus better so we can remove any hesitation or fear
from our hearts for his return so we can shout from the top of our housetops:
"Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus, come!"
Also, one of our families has gotten a gift for the entire parish community for this Advent/Christmas. They purchased enough copies of Matthew Kelly's new book, "I Heard God Laugh", for every registered family here at Presentation. Please pick up a copy for you and your family after Mass, during Drive-Thru/In hours, or contact the parish office to make arrangements to pick one up. What a wonderful gift to help us truly prepare the way for Jesus in our hearts, in our souls! Please say a prayer in gratitude for this family who has asked to remain anonymous. Thank you!
Lastly, starting this week, Drive-Thru is turning to Drive-In as the cold weather starts to pick up. Park your car and come inside the church where you can find Fr Peter in the Reconciliation Room. Both the Kennard Street and North/Handicap entrances will be open during these times. Disinfectant wipes will be available for penitents to use after each visit.
There will be no Drive-In this Weds, Dec 2nd, and beginning in January 2021, Drive-Thru/In hours will be changing to Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-5:45pm, and on Saturdays from 4-4:45pm.
Come, Lord Jesus, come!
