Come O come Emmanuel
 Mannheim Steamroller has a wonderful version of this 12th Century French Advent classic. It is sung in Latin Gregorian chant, with singers proclaiming the words Veni Veni Emmanuel, Come o Come Emmanuel . Accompanying the singers are musicians playing simple handbells. It is a haunting, moving, meditative piece of music that captures all Advent is meant to be. Each year I look forward to the First Sunday of Advent when I crank up the stereo and allow this music to wash over and flow through me.
Advent is the beginning of the Christian year. For Christians, the first Sunday of Advent is New Years Day. It comes at the darkest time of the calendar year. The days are short and cold. Chances are good our season of snow has begun. Advent takes the normal human desire to hunker down and pull the blankets up over us and asks us instead to use this time to spiritually pull in and focus.
End Summary
This is a very useful exercise for us because Christmas has become such a circus. Each year we are encouraged and cajoled to "keep up with the Jones's" by doing more, buying more, indulging more. Too many people desire nothing but to have the perfect Martha Stewart holiday with an elegantly decorated home, scrumptious dinner menu, and festively wrapped gifts under the perfect tree. So obsessed are some people that they miss the true meaning of Christmas.
Advent is all about preparing for Christmas, but not as society understands it. The preparation we experience is spiritual and internal. We need to push aside the things that draw us away from Christ, and make changes that open us to what we desire most: a closer relationship with God.
Across time and human history the coming of Jesus was foretold. People studied the stars for this event. Young women dreamed they would be the chosen vessel to bring this about. People asked, "Could this be the chosen one?"
Advent bids us join in the search. It asks us also to study, dream, and become seekers. The days will pass quickly and long before we are ready, Christmas will be upon us. It may be cold, dark and dreary outside, but the fires of Advent will guide us to the birthplace of the Christ child. Use these days to grow and deepen spiritually; the time will be well spent.
God grant you a holy, quiet and joyous Advent.
With deepest affection,
Fr. David
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