At the birth of a child every parent wonders how this new child, this gift of life from God, will grow up. Each new life is a mystery. We know that the hand of God is on each new child, and continues throughout one's life. Some follow the Lord; go their own way. God desirexs we follow His loving will. May we walk in God' s love to Bethlehem and into eternity and God's presence.

Many things have happened to Mary during this Advent time. The Annunciation and Vistation to Elizabeth most noteabely. At the end of the Magnificat we are told she returned home. Mary returned to the place where God was most present to her and WITHIN HER--HOME! The everyday is where God is most to be present. How is God present in YOUR everyday?

When we receive good news we want to tell others. We want to share it and celebrate. This is good and natural. Mary reminds us to be mindful of those in need. We are to carry the the Lord within US to those who need God's presence. Like Mary, WE are to share the GOOD NEWS: THE SAVIOR is born to US and WITHIN US! Don't keep it a secret.

The human will is strong. We want our way; and NOW! Often there is a struggle between our will and the will of God. The Evil One desires we follow the way of sin by rejecting God's will for us; especially in Advent. We are close to Bethlehem. Let us not turn back. Let us go on in the Holy Spirit. Our peace awaits!

God is the Lord and Giver of LIFE! Even in the midst of what seems lifeless, barren, dry God is present. Even at this time we may feel without joy or life, GOD IS PRESENT and wants to fill us with the grace of life. Open your heart to receive the Spirit. Nothing is impossible with God!

We humans are social by nature. We need to be with and FOR others. It is hurtful to be excluded or left out. God excludes no one. Jesus, THE Savior, invites AALL to come to the Crib. Saints and sinners; the high and the lowly Jesus invites. It is NOT too late to walk to the Crib. Great joy will fill your heart. Come to the Crib.

We don't like being taken for granted. We need to have our presence and what we do recognized and appreciated. The same is true with our relationship with God. Have we taken God for granted? How does God respond? Advent is a good time to see if we have taken God for granted.

Who is your God is the most important question you will ever ask and answer. Eternity depends on your answer! A good way to find the answer is by TIME. Where and how much of precious time do we spend each day? Is doing God's will or seeking false gods who cannot give eternal life? The spending of time reveals what and who we worship.

Too often we give ourselves a daily list of the things we are goin to do to please the Lord. However, we find we have done very little, if any at the end of the day. Each day choose ONE THING, one act, prayer, or penance for that day. Such is a day well spent p

As Christians we are given by God the authority and grace to be His oracle in our daily lives. We are invited to receive eyes unveiled, ears to listen to God's will, the gift of knowledge to share God's wisdom. Advent is the holy time to be the vessel of God's presence.