The Road to Bethlehem

The season of Advent is upon us.  Just as the Old Testament prophets were inspired by the Holy Spirit to announce His approach and how John the Baptist was sent to “make ready the way of the Lord”, our celebration of Advent imitates them as we prepare our hearts with the hope of Christ coming into our hearts today.  Advent also reminds us that just like Mary, entirely of her own free will, said “yes”, we must receive grace, strength, and courage to say “yes” to do God’s will.

The themes of Advent are traditionally hope, love, joy, and peace.  Although the themes of Advent can vary by parish, the third week is always joy.  It is always a blessing to see the students of Our Lady of the Assumption light the candles of the Advent wreath as we are reminded that we are one week closer to the birth of Christ.

Recently I stumbled upon a different visual for Advent that intrigued me.

Although I plan on carrying on our tradition of modeling hope, love, joy, and peace, I am also going to try to ‘worship fully’ throughout the Advent and Christmas Season, ‘spend less’ money on the people that already have, ‘give more’ to the needy, and ‘love all’ all the time.

Have a blessed Advent and Christmas season,

Greg Kostiuk

PS – If you see me after Christmas give me a Ukrainian Christmas greeting.  In the Ukrainian culture during the Christmas season, you say, “Khristos rodyvsya!” (Christ is born!) This is answered by “Slavite Yoho!” (Let Us Glorify Him!).