Advent comes...

Photographer
John H.
a High School student
at the church where I am serving
took these beautiful photographs
we will use on the front covers
of our Advent Bulletins.

I see in these images
creation
yearning,
longing,
preparing
for what will be
while at the same time
remembering and celebrating
what was and is.

This is the essence of Advent.

Also this season we will
savor the sounds and images
of a Catalana Carol titled
El Noi de la Mare.

In English:
The Son of Mary.

The lyrics:

What shall we give to the Son of the Virgin?
What shall we give that the Babe will enjoy?
First, we shall give Him a tray full of raisins,
Then we shall offer sweet figs to the Boy.

What shall we give the Beloved of Mary?
What can we give to her beautiful Child?
Raisins and olives and nutmeats and honey,
Candy and figs and some cheese that is mild.
Raisins and olives and nutmeats and honey.

What shall we do if the figs are not ripened?
What shall we do if the figs are still green?
We shall not fret; if they're not ripe for Easter,
On a Palm Sunday, ripe figs will be seen.
We shall not fret, if they're not ripe for Easter,
On a Palm Sunday, ripe figs will be seen.

This is the year
Advent begins the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
So we prepare...