Embracing the Advent and Christmas Seasons With Joy and Peace

This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every one of us. But there is one thing we can’t let it take away, and that’s the joy and peace of the Advent and Christmas seasons. As we read in Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

“Advent is awesome,” says Fr. Brian O’Brien. “I love the readings at Mass, mostly the prophet Isaiah, and, of course, the music of the season.

“COVID certainly puts a damper on things, but the joy of Christmas is ours no matter what is happening in the world around us,” he adds.

Fr. O’Brien reminds us that Jesus was born into different circumstances beyond what many of us can imagine.

“His family’s living situation wasn’t ideal, but they made the best of it,” he says. “The history of the world changed forever.”

Let’s use this Advent season to truly prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord. While we all miss the opportunity to enjoy our parish festival or any large social gatherings, we can take this time to make the best of the situation and grow closer to our Lord. One practical way to do that is through Confession. As Fr. O’Brien says, we should think of attending Confession as a Christmas gift to Jesus.

“Jesus wants us to be in Communion with Him, and sin gets in the way of that,” he says. “Confession cleanses us of sin and gives us the grace to live a holy life.”

On the evening of Dec. 2, there will be an Advent Night of Renewal, which we can think of like a one-night parish mission. Fr. Kerry Wakulich of St. John Catholic Student Center will be the speaker.

Fr. O’Brien knows just how busy the days and weeks comprising Advent can be. With this in mind, he implores us to remember the true reason for the season.

“It has to be about Jesus,” he says. “The commercialism often gets out of control.”

We also need to set aside extra time for prayer and the Bible. Fr. O’Brien says he also fasts more and has more time for prayer built into his day.

“With Christ at the center of our lives, anything is possible,” he says.

Confession times will follow the normal schedule of 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays and most Sunday mornings. There will also be added Confession in and around our daily Masses. Please refer to the church bulletin for more information on Confession, Christmas Mass times and other special events.

Fr. Kerry Wakulich (left, with Bishop David A. Konderla) will speak on Dec. 2 for an Advent Night of Renewal.