These few weeks before Christmas for many are filled with gift buying, party planning, and home decorating. Christmas music can be heard almost everywhere, and as the snow begins to fall, we begin to look forward to the great celebration on Dec. 25.

But in Her wisdom, the Church invites us to take these next weeks leading up to Christmas to prepare not simply our homes and our presents, but to prepare our hearts for what is the greatest gift we will receive. The time of preparation, of anticipation, is Advent. I would like to offer three simple images to help you enter more fully into this great liturgical season.

As we await the birth of the King of Kings, we can walk with Joseph and Mary, with the Child Jesus in her womb, on their way to Bethlehem. As subjects of Caesar, they must make the journey along with many others to the town of Joseph’s birth. Husbands and wives can take this journey spiritually with the Holy Family and ponder the struggles and joys that must have accompanied Joseph and Mary as the same struggles and joys that accompany husbands and wives today. Joseph and Mary, in the midst of all of the challenges they experience, have their hearts set on God’s will. We can be reminded that by seeking first the Kingdom of God, He will never leave us wanting (cf. Mt. 6:33).

Jesus’ birth will begin the fulfillment of God’s plan for his Chosen People and for the redemption of the whole world. We can turn to Simeon (cf. Lk 2:25 ff), who had been long awaiting the coming Messiah. God’s promise through the prophets seems to have been long delayed. Yet, Simeon has an expectant faith, knowing that God is always faithful. In our preparation for the coming of the Savior, have we grown weary? Have we thought that God will not fulfill his promises? I encourage you to take this time to renew your trust in God’s provident care. Let us once again, in this year of Prayer for a New Pentecost, come to our Lord with an expectant faith that God will renew His wonders in our time!

It is easy to see how Joseph and Mary could easily be afraid. Mary has been given this great charge to be the Mother of God, and she is so young. Joseph is called to care for both her and the child in her womb, and yet he must lead them on this not-so-easy journey to Bethlehem. Both Joseph and Mary have been given a daunting vocation. Fear is so present in our world today. Yet, “perfect love casts out fear” (1 Jn. 4:18). We can ask Mary and Joseph to intercede for us to the Lord Jesus, that we may bring our fears to Him, and that His perfect love for us can cast out our fear.

May these days of anticipation enflame your hearts to receive the Newborn King!

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

The Most Reverend Allen H. Vigneron
Archbishop of Detroit