A Note From Father Rob

Anglican, Episcopal, Lutheran and Roman Catholic children around the world are celebrating the shortness of Advent this year. No four-week-long calendar this year, no sir, just a scant 22-day Advent to wait for Christmas to come.

I, too, find myself celebrating a short Advent. Because truth be told, for all of my official support and theological understanding of the season of Advent, I secretly yearn for a Christmas season that starts on All Saints Day and ends with Epiphany! I know, I know, I shouldn’t. I shouldn’t for all the reasons I have told you in sermons since the 26th Sunday after Pentecost. Advent is a great season on our church calendar … but I love Christmas.

I love the songs, the greenery, the clothes, the decorations, and yes, even the shopping. The people I see out and about do seem a little happier. The folks I interact with are more talkative, and they smile more. And one little phrase is constantly passed back and forth in good cheer and hope, “Merry Christmas.” Merry Christmas. It is a beautiful sentiment, for it conveys a special message: May you have a joyous time in celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior. I have to say, that’s something that can’t come soon enough, or be said often enough, all the year through.

May your Christmas be merry and bright. God bless, Rob+