In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
 
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." .   Luke 1:26-33 NIV

As we approach the fourth Sunday before Christmas, we herald the beginning of the ecclesiastical year, celebrate the birth of the Savior, and long for the second coming of Christ.

Advent represents a time of watchful waiting, a joyous anticipation of what is to come. The approaching weeks can characterize an end, a beginning, or a transition, depending upon our individual interpretation. They can mark the termination of past bitterness and dissatisfaction, and they can signify a commencement of better days of hope, anticipation, and fulfillment.

The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.   Isaiah 9:1-2 NIV

Life denotes a series of choices, and it is up to us to opt wisely, as God chose Mary to bear Jesus. These next weeks, hectic and rushed, can make us harried and brittle, or peaceful and serene. We can yearn for the Second Coming, and wish that, in this information-overloaded and chaotic age, we would notice if it occurred.

Observance of Advent requires looking both backward and forward, faithfully and joyfully. May all our hopes be realized, and may all find comfort and peace.

O Emmanuel, Jesus Christ,
desire of every nation,
Savior of all peoples,
come and dwell among us.

Contributed by Carol
Sunday November 30, 2008
Liturgical Year B Week 1
Sunday Gospel reading:
First Sunday of Advent