Dear Friends,

Advent is one of our favorite times of year! The meditative pace, contrasting with the world's quickened and sometimes frantic pace of Christmas preparations....the watching and waiting, not for Santa, but for a deepening connection with the Divine within, the contemplative reinforcing our bearings—reminding us that we are a people called to "be Light". Advent is a "pregnant time", a time to wonder about mystery and new life, a time to imagine living more fully, more deeply in God's presence. A time to become and to birth God's Presence in our world.

In a series of sermons, the El Salvadoran bishop and martyr, Oscar Romero, offered a richness of thought and motivation for action on the theme of Advent. We will share some of his wisdom and insights with you during these Advent weeks, and begin with these words he spoke on December 3, 1978.

Advent is not just four weeks

in which to prepare for Christmas.

Advent is the church's life.

Advent is Christ's presence...

and will bring about God's true reign,

telling us, humanity, that Isaiah's prophecy

is now fulfilled:

Emmanuel – God with us.

Advent should admonish us to discover

in each brother or sister that we greet,

in each friend whose hand we shake,

in each beggar who asks for bread,

in each worker who wants to use the right to join a union,

in each peasant who looks for work in the coffee groves,

the face of Christ.

Then it would not be possible to rob them,

to cheat them,

to deny them their rights.

They are Christ,

and whatever is done to them

Christ will take as done to himself.

This is what Advent is:

Christ living among us.

** Archbishop Oscar Romero ** December 3, 1978

As we enter into this sacred season, we pray that you might 'meet' Jesus the Christ in a new and deeper way in your life and in those whose lives intersect with yours. May you be blessed in this time of waiting with a 'holy impatience' to become Advent in the lives of others.

We invite you to join The Spirit of Life Community as we gather for an Advent Twilight Retreat, "Pregnant with Mystery" on Saturday, December 3rd from 3:00-7:00PM at The Hospitality House, 18 Guild Road, Dedham, MA 02026. (Please NOTE that this is NOT held at the church in Weston) All are welcome!!

Reminder: Our liturgy will be held at 4:00PM during the remainder of Fall and Winter months.

Advent Blessings,

Jean & Ron