Ps. 122:1ff makes it clear, "I rejoiced when I heard them say: Let us go to God's house...For love of my brethren and friends I say: 'Peace upon you'...for love of the house of our Lord I will ask for your good".

Let us therefore keep rejoicing in His presence. No matter what you have gone through this year, no matter what you are still going through now; only God can liberate you indeed. Remind yourself of the fact that you are not where you should be yet, but you are equally not where you were before.

You have taken some steps forward! Sing: "Count your blessings name them

one by one..” "What the Lord has done for me, I cannot tell it all..."

Dear friends in Christ, time is limited for you and me in this changing/challenging world, but God's time is eternity. No wonder Christ

said, "Stay awake, because you do not know the day when your master is

coming".

 The Roman Catholic church puts before us this season of advent the challenge to create some time-out to do the needful as we await

Christmas. Christmas is more than clothes, food and drink! Creating more loving opportunities for others around us and for yourself will impact

greatly on those discouraged to carry on in life! The Lord is our

strength. Sing: "Come Lord Jesus, the light is dying; the night keeps

crying...Come Lord Jesus!"

Advent means, "Arrival" or "Coming". Advent is an unending process. God

makes all things new in Christ!  Advent season is a demanding period of

preparations. May Christ's coming meet us all at our duties. Amen. Sing:

"When He comes back...our lamps will be burning to welcome Him when he

comes back." Therefore, we need to be on our guard and be ever ready. Let

not your Hope be lost, but keep it safe in Christ Jesus for a better

tomorrow.

What does God demand of us this season of advent? It is simply to be

taught God's way and to follow it in simplicity. St. Paul said, "You know

'the time' has come: you must wake up now: our salvation is even

nearer..." (Rom.13:11). Note: "The unknown hour is here and now.

Hence, be prepared". According to Fr. Pichappilly, advent season is a time to consider the following: Take extra time to pray. Rediscover old friends,

make new friends. Take time to grow. Reach out to the needy.

Believe that light can shine in our darkness. Take time to improve yourself so that you have no time to criticise others. In addition, plan a retreat,

recollection, and visit the sacrament of reconciliation. Be uplifted in

your spiritual journey. Finally, to be relevant, we must sharpen our

spirit, just like sharpening of axe makes labour easier and produces smooth cut.

God help us all and keep us firm in our little daily efforts. Amen.

Thanks and Happy week in Advance.

 Fr. Stephen Balogun