By Rev. Fred Zagone, S.J., acting vice president for mission and ministry
Our world today can present us with many reasons to lose hope. Opportunities, attractions and distractions make it easy to forget the true meaning of the Advent season. But in fact, this is the season of hope — the glow of the Advent wreath candles, the lights of the Christmas tree, the flame of the Menorah… or perhaps simply the sky on a rare day of sunshine in a Milwaukee December.
All of these things remind us of the presence of God and the promise of hope that is fulfilled in this holy season.
As Advent begins, remember that behind the packages and the lights is the radiance that is our God. See the hope in the faces of the people around you. See it in the faces of your family and friends, your coworkers or your students.
Doing this will allow each of us to welcome that little baby on Christmas in the same way that Mary and Joseph so willingly welcomed Him into their lives. And know that God so lovingly welcomes us into His.
This is what the Advent season is all about. We watch and we wait for the coming of Christmas. We recount the stories of the first Christmas and the birth of the child Jesus. So too do we await the second coming of Jesus. That’s where we place our hope.
May the peace of God rule in your dreams. May your joys be fulfilled and your prayers answered. May you have healing, health, happiness and prosperity this Advent season.