May Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, who brings life and light to all believers, be with you!

We know the title Emmanuel, given for Jesus Christ, to mean "God with us," or "may God be with us."  This meaning has great significance for us, because our petition is that God be with us throughout our lives, in good times and in those challenging moments.  We say, or pray, this petition so much that we might not truly know what we are praying for.

In this petition: "May God be with us," He offers us hope, healing, courage, strength and wisdom.  Christ is revealed more and more to us, whether we realize it or not.

Our Advent theme is "He's Coming",  "Prepare the way of the Lord"  and "Make straight the paths of the Lord."  In order for God to be with us, we must journey in our lives on the path that is in accordance with God's ways.

In this second week of Advent, how are we preparing for God to be with us?  Are we taking the time during our busy lives to reflect how God can be with us?  Are we allowing Him to be with us in the way we speak to others and demonstrate His presence through our charitable actions?  As we continue on this brief spiritual journey of Advent, may we pause for a moment and reflect on the person called Emmanuel: "May God be with us."  When we do, the promise of hope, comfort and compassion, patience, and a gentle spirit will be showered upon us from our Emmanuel.

Happy Advent

Msgr. Britto