Blessed Advent!

In many ways this is the most peaceful time of year--if you listen to the prayers of the season instead of the commercials of the vendors. You'd never know from Main Street the stillness that precedes the Silent Night. Even from the liturgy, however, you might not catch that this is a peace-filled season. During these first weeks of preparing for Christ's coming, the focus is on his Second Coming: the theme popularly known as the Apocalypse or Armageddon, whichever term brings about more images of total disaster.

But the prayers and readings of Advent recognize that the End of the World is seen by the Church as the bride sees the return of her husband--an event of eager anticipation.

As the weeks progress, Christ the Bridegroom is remembered for his original arrival--the chorused baby in the manger. Neither coming brings anxiety for a disciple--both reconfirm the abundance of God's care.

If you feel these privileged days are slipping by too quickly, the blog at Half a Dozen Productions has been posting ideas on 'How to Make Advent More Like Advent and Less Like Christmas'. Take a look--these days are yours for the savoring!