Advent: Watch! Be Prepared!

Thursday, my wife and I went to morning Mass and during the consecration it hit me... "the way us Catholics have been celebrating Mass in the English speaking world for the past 40+ years is about to change." This weekend, the changes of the New Roman Missal took place and Advent began.  It's going to take time to learn the new changes, but I'm excited about the new richness that this brings to our experience at Mass.  So, Advent... Advent... Advent is a time for us to prepare.  Prepare for what?  We are called to live our lives and prepare to be with God.  Are we ready to die and be with God?  Give me ten minutes and I'll get back to you.  haha  So, how am I working at this?  My wife and I put up our Christmas tree and have decorated our home.  The nativity scene is up... minus the three wise men and baby Jesus.  So far, we're keeping up with our daily Advent readings and pray and meditate on their message.  I've been working hard lately to reconnect with family and friends I don't see often.  A phone call isn't as great as actually being with them, but it's better than nothing at all.  At work I'm focusing on ways to engage the teens and as always shift their attention to God and get them to prepare during Advent.  It's a challenge alright, but you set a goal... say a prayer, and push for it.  There's a lot on tap for all of us this Advent season, but I'm confident it's going to wild and wonderful. That's my thought for the day.  God bless and have a good one!