The Spirit of Advent As we get closer to Christmas, the Church celebrates the Third Sunday of Advent in joyful expectation of what’s to come.
And that makes sense. When we’re waiting for a big event in life—like a birthday (if you’re under 29!), a wedding, the birth of a child, an important anniversary, a reunion, and the list goes on and on—the closer we get, the more excited we get anticipating what’s to come.
A child waiting for Christmas morning knows exactly what that’s like. And as a universal Church, we do, too.
So when we hear the readings today, we’ll hear the joy that’s expressed in waiting for Christmas. Isaiah proclaims, “I rejoice heartily in the Lord, in my God is the joy of my soul.” The response to the psalm—which today is from the Canticle of Mary—is “My soul rejoices in my God.” In the second reading, St. Paul will encourage us to “Rejoice always.”
And in the gospel, we hear about “A man named John who was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe in him.” The Baptist is telling us who it is we’re waiting for. He’s coming to be with us—the One who gives us everything Advent promises: hope, love, joy and peace.
If the Spirit of Christmas is goodwill to all, the Spirit of Advent joyfully awaits it. It’s only seven days away!
Speaking of Joy…Good Things are Happening!
One of the joys of St. Hubert Parish is our school—recognized nationally as a
Blue Ribbon School. Our new principal, Kelly Bourrell, has been working hard on several important goals and initiatives to take us into the future, which she’ll share in next week’s bulletin. Our school not only provides an excellent education, but also helps families form and develop disciples of Christ.
The State of Illinois recently passed the Invest in Kids Act, which is a new source of scholarships for those in private schools who qualify. If a Catholic education may have been out of reach, this may be an opportunity to make it possible. See page 10 for more information.
The Giving Tree program has once again been a huge success. Thank you to everyone who has purchased gifts for those who may not otherwise receive a Christmas present. One of the many blessings of being at St. Hubert is in the compassion and care we share for those in need. It warms the heart. Thank you also to Deacon Dick Lawson for all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into coordinating such an amazing goodwill effort.
May God bless you as we anticipate the holy days ahead. Rejoice in the goodness and blessings that God joyfully gives us each and every day,