A Note From

Rev. Joe Koyickal

Advent

Welcome the Light of Christ & Be Renewed

As we enter the holy season of Advent, the Advent wreath becomes a simple yet powerful symbol that helps us prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus. Its circular shape reminds us of God’s eternal & everlasting love-without beginning or end-& the evergreen branches symbolize the hope & life that Christ brings into even the coldest, darkest seasons of our lives.

Each candle we light carries a message & invitation for our spiritual journey. Let us take to heart this message & invitation this advent.

Week 1 – Hope: We begin with the candle of Hope, reminding us that no matter what we carry-worries, fears, uncertainties, or burdens-God’s promises are steady & sure. Hope invites us to look forward with trust because Christ, our Light, is coming. Let us renew our trust in God’s faithfulness.

Week 2 – Peace: The second candle calls us into God’s peace, a peace deeper than the world can give. This week we are encouraged to slow down, breathe, and let Christ calm the storms within us so that His peace can flow through us into our homes & our relationships. Let us be messengers of His peace.

Week 3 – Joy: On the third Sunday, we light the rose candle, the candle of Joy. It is called Rejoice Sunday! It reminds us that even in challenging times, God is near. Joy is not about everything being perfect but about recognizing God’s love at work in our daily lives. Let us radiate that joy into our homes & our relationships.

Week 4 – Love: Finally, the fourth candle invites us to reflect on Love-the heart of the Christmas story. God’s love becomes flesh in Jesus. As we approach Christmas, we are called to deepen our love for God & one another through kindness, forgiveness, generosity & compassion.

Thus, the liturgical year, beginning with the season of Advent, offers us an invitation to begin again. It is a time to pause, reflect, & recognize the places in our lives where darkness still

Lingers-fear, anger, division, sin-& to welcome the healing light of Christ. Each candle brightens our path a little more, reminding us that Christ desires to enter not only our churches, but our homes, our families, & every corner of our daily lives.

May this Advent season be a time of renewal & new life & hope for us. “Come let us climb the Lord’s mountain …that he may instruct us in his ways, & we may walk in his paths” (Isaiah: 2:3). 

Blessings of Peace and Joy Always! 

Fr. Joe