by Theresa Cavicchio
“Beginning the Church's liturgical year, Advent (from, 'ad-venire' in Latin or 'to come to') is the season encompassing the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas” (The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website).
During the final days approaching the great feast of Christmas – of God’s dwelling among us as one of us – our time and attention often become distracted and fragmented at best. The multiple aspects of holiday preparation can descend upon us as an intimidating army of chores to be accomplished, duties to be fulfilled. We can so easily lose focus on the true meaning behind all the gift-wrapping and cookie-baking.
