On this day we sing out the carols of the season as we read texts that bring the story of Emmanuel, "God with us," alive. We then reflect on who God is for us in a reading of the folktale "The Tale of Three Trees." Happy New Year!

This year Christmas lands on a Sunday, which means our Sunday rhythm is a little different today. Each time we gather we celebrate Easter, and with it the Mystery of Christmas which makes it all possible! Merry Christmas!

We hear the same story every year, and the challenge is making sure the "Good News" the angels bring doesn't become "Old News." Thankfully the news is as much for us now as it was for the shepherds then. Merry Christmas!

Dreams play a significant role throughout scripture. Through dreams prophecies are conveyed and peoples freed. This time of year individuals may be "Dreaming of a White Christmas," but for now we see Joseph dream of a son, our Savior.

The Magnificat is Mary's theme song not just for Advent or Christmas but for the entirety of the Christian experience. In these verses she develops characters, plot lines and themes that echo through our experience of Christ to this day.

Although John's message of "Repent!" and his name-calling of church leaders may seem out of place, it is exactly where it needs to be. In the wilderness of Advent we prepare for the future, which first requires us to first look to the past.

We begin a new liturgical year with a season steeped in patient anticipation. While we wait for the "Day of the Lord" we must not forget that the Lord is already with us this day.

As we gather to offer our thanks to God, we recall the work of the people, specifically "The Great Thanksgiving." The liturgy is our opportunity to participate in the work of God as we carry out "the work of the people."

Standing on the edge of Advent, awaiting the birth of our Lord, we take time to contemplate the kind of reign it will be. Jesus spoke about the "Kingdom of God" more than any other topic, and these days, this is more topical than ever.

The Gospel today reads like a litany of despair that echoes throughout time. Rather than get caught in doom scrolling the demise of the world, we have an opportunity to testify to God's eternal love, especially during our world's pain.