Happy Advent! I have promised myself that this Advent was going to be a fruitful one. I need an advent focused on my faith, time and traditions with family. I require a re-set after all of the interruptions 2020 has put upon us all. While I have not been perfect, I am working to achieve that goal. It is requiring me to "discern" what is really important in my life. It has meant that I have had to say "no" to some things, that though they would be wonderful and great spiritual opportunities, but would ultimately lead me to feel distracted from my primary goal. Less is often more and in our society, that is often a difficult pursuit.

As we journey in advent toward the gift of Jesus Christ, I pray that you and your family are able to celebrate important traditions and make memories as you prepare for the coming of our Lord. It is easy as parents to feel overwhelmed and burdened with efforts to make this a "memorable" Christmas. I encourage you to embrace the simple and know that simplicity and less stress is often the best gift you can give your family. Enjoy time together lighting the advent wreath, reading the nativity story, making gifts for loved ones, making family recipes and baking. Allow your children's excitement to build as you move Mary and Joseph closer to the manger (and don't forget to start moving the 3 Kings toward the manger on Christmas Day - building anticipation of their arrival on scene for Epiphany, January 6th). If you need ideas, I am hoping you will get them during our meeting on Sunday as we all share what makes it Advent or Christmas in our own families!