During this first week of Advent, our focus is Hope. Our hope is for the Second Coming of Christ as He promised. And in our hope we can find the strength to endure the pains and sufferings of this world. We can give up a lot of things, but we must always keep our hope. Alleluia.

This year's global event has certainly illustrated the necessity of preparation and endurance. And so it is with Advent. We prepare and endure 4 weeks waiting to celebrate the human birth of our God through a Virgin. We also continue in the same way for His return and the gift He offers each and everyone of us. Alleluia.

We are all suppose to be on the same "team." It is not about I did this, so you have to do that. Amen.

Let me say it again, "God Loves You!" Now you say it, "God Loves Me." Say it like you mean it, because God means it. Write it on a note and put it on the bathroom mirror. Do not forget -- God Loves You -- always and forever... This love is our foundation and purpose. Amen.

Self giving love. Seemingly difficult for so many to comprehend or appreciate today. Yet, the solution to all human problems. If you stare at this graven image of our Lord, it shocks the conscience and jerks at the heart strings. And there lies His will - for us to do the same. Amen.

Matthew 12:41-42 At the judgment, the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and there is something greater than Jonah here. At the judgment the queen of the south will arise with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and there is something greater

Our simple cooperation allows our Lord to stretch, twist, and intertwine us to become something we couldn't become on our own. And through His creativeness we will last forever. Amen

Like a needle and thread. St Paul tells us "...when we are weak, we are strong..." We struggle with allowing Jesus Christ to be in control and do what He does best - everything. Amen

Our Friend, Brother, Teacher, Master, Savior, Second Person of the Holy Trinity is coming again. Are we ready? Amen

Maybe at first glance you don't find this landscape appealing. But when you walk it for several days and add the smells, sounds, and feels you come to love the richness of God's hand at work. We all need to take time to appreciate and enjoy what our Father has given us in all the ways He does. Amen.