Bishop Solis's Advent Message

Friday, Nov. 29, 2024

Greetings of Christ’s peace and love! This Sunday marks the beginning of Advent, the start of our Church’s liturgical year. It is a time of preparation for the coming of Christ into our lives. More than 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem, Jesus, the Son of God, assumed human nature, except for sin. On Dec. 25, we commemorate his birth as the promised Savior with gift-giving and merriment.  

The four weeks of Advent invite us to focus our lives on prayerful waiting for the coming of Christ. The Scripture readings for this season remind us to be ready and vigilant for his return. The tone is clear with Jesus’ strong and clear warning: “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.” John the Baptist echoes the call of the Prophet Isaiah: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his path.” The Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph exemplify humility, obedience and surrender to God’s divine plan, essential virtues in preparing a dwelling place for Jesus, “Emmanuel – God with us,” in our hearts. 

Advent preparation means setting aside moments to quiet our minds and examine how we have allowed the world’s attractions and worries to lure us from the path to the Kingdom of God. The penitential character of the season invites us to renew our hearts, rediscover Christ in our lives, and find joy in the gift of forgiveness of our sins and reconciliation with God. 

During this season, I encourage you to read the Word of God, attend Mass more often, and receive the Holy Eucharist worthily. Let us pray the Liturgy of the Hours and the rosary daily, join our Diocesan Advent Retreat on Dec. 14, and manifest the love and compassion of God through our works of charity so the world may know that God exists, and Christ is with us. 

Pope Francis has declared 2025 as the Jubilee Year of Hope. In his Bull of Indiction, Spes Non Confundit (Hope Does Not Disappoint), he conveys a message of trust and hope in this era of uncertainty and global suffering. He invites all believers to embark on a spiritual journey toward a greater awareness of divine mercy and a deeper commitment to spreading love and compassion in the world. 

Amid the darkness and cold of the season, the Advent candle shines brightly to remind us that “light has come into the world, shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Let us prepare to welcome Emmanuel, the Light that is Christ, at Christmas. With Mary, we acclaim, “The Lord has done great things for us, we are filled with joy.” 

Blessings to all!