Introduction

Dear Friends,

This year our Advent and Christmas journey calls us once again into the mystery of the Incarnation of our God. This journey will take us from darkness to light, and from fear to trust.  

I take heart in the beautiful passages of scripture that will be offered to us, such as the reading from the Prophet Baruch on the Second Sunday of Advent where we hear: “Take off your robe of mourning and misery; put on the splendor of glory from God forever.” I think in these days of the waning pandemic we are all trying to do just that – to walk away from a time of hardship into something brand new!

Let’s commit ourselves to make every moment of this Advent a quest for hope. May these days be a joyful reflection on God’s indwelling into our world in history, but also God’s coming anew into our present moment, here and now, in the “everyday” of our lives. 

These daily reflections come from the many friends of Holy Family who worship and pray together throughout the year in the Retreat Center Chapel, and those at home joining through the online masses. These individuals and families come from many walks of life and age groups, and they bring to us a deep sense of faith in the goodness of God. We must thank our Reflection Book team: Caelie Flanagan, Cathy Koplar, and our coordinators, Noel Terranova and Eric Melanson, for their enormous investment of time in organizing the scripture readings, as well as editing the reflections. So much effort went into this process! Thanks to all of you!

Hopefully, amid the swirl of activity during the holiday season, these daily reflections will offer us opportunities to see where God is living and active in our lives, and to find moments to be thankful for this mystery of God abiding among us as our companion and friend.

Peaceful Advent and Christmas days to all of you!

Fr. David Cinquegrani, C.P