Come, Oh Come, Emanuel!

By Sister Ann Therese Plum

Now that we are in the Liturgical Season of Advent, we have come to a time of waiting as we anticipate and prepare for the coming of Jesus. What does this really mean for us?

At the Eucharist we hear "Christ has come. Christ is here. Christ will come again." Advent is the time in-between .. Now He is still with us: yes, here and NOW. Advent is thus a good time set apart to reflect, pray and prepare to celebrate the Lord's first coming at Christmas with great joy. May He grant us to realize his presence in and among us. Growth in our relationship with Him and one another during this in-between time will help prepare us for his glorious return.

Our Lady of Guadalupe and Advent

By Sister Carmela Farley

Advent is a time of waiting, preparing for the birth of our Savior, Jesus.

At Tepeyac, Our Lady of Guadalupe pictured herself expecting Jesus, pregnant with Jesus. Our time of preparation — Advent — can put us in tune with Mary's expectation of Jesus. She appeared to the Indian people of Mexico on the tilma of Juan Diego as a Mother, to care for her children who had been neglected and abused.

Today as we prepare for Christmas — Christ's coming into this world — let us remember, in prayer, all the neglected, abused children of this world, and especially those in danger of being aborted.

Special Thoughts on Advent

By Sr. Melanie Persche, OLVM

Advent is a Season of Hope. It is a reminder never to give up. There are so many things that could pull us down — in our personal life, in our country and in our world. We might feel small and powerless in the face of the big problems that we see every day. They seem insurmountable. When we feel powerless, it helps to look around and find signs of hope.

For me, meeting two young Mexican women has been a sign of hope. I’ll call them Maria and Isabel. Maria contacted the local library, asking for information about ESL classes (English as a Second Language). The library contacted Victory Noll to see if one of the sisters could teach them. I have been going to Maria’s house, fifteen miles from here, to have classes with Maria and her friend Isabel. We meet twice a week and sit around the kitchen table while Isabel’s four-year-old daughter plays in the living room. Isabel said that her sister-in-law would be moving to the area soon and then there will be three students!

These young families work hard, struggle to make a living and have strong hope for the future. They want to learn English, want a good education for their children and appreciate the small opportunities that come their way. It lifts my spirit to work with them. Their faith and hope is an inspiration to me.