Here we are…Thanksgiving week.

I am cooking a 20-pound bird for a family gathering, so last week I went out to buy what I need.

It’s always crazy to me to see all the stores covered in Christmas decorations and full of displays of Christmas things for sale, some already 50% off.

People were pushing carts around the stores full of Christmas things.

It felt like it was December 20^th, not November 20^th.

This coming Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent.

For us Catholics, the first Sunday of Advent is the Liturgical new year.

Our Liturgical Calendar, which is a yearly cycle of seasons and feasts that tell the story of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, begins the first Sunday of Advent.

I’m not ready to decorate for Christmas, to listen to Christmas music or watch Christmas movies.

As we head to the first Sunday of Advent, I’m a bit reflective on how my relationship with Jesus is at the end of another Liturgical year.

How do I hope to grow in my relationship with Jesus and as a disciple in this coming new Liturgical year?

Some people like to make New Year’s resolutions in January.

I like to make new Liturgical year resolutions during Advent.

Brothers and sisters: You know the time; it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep. For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed; the night is advanced, the day is at hand. Let us then throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light… Romans 13:11-12

In this coming Sunday’s Second Reading for Mass, Saint Paul gets to the point of Advent.

We know it’s time.

Stop.

Prepare for Christmas by looking at our relationship with Jesus.

Look at how we are living as His disciple.

How are we shining the Light of Christ each day?

Yes, it’s a time of preparation, but not just the kind of preparation all the stores are trying to sell us.

Many Thanksgiving blessings to each of you and your family from Alondra, Kyle and me!

We are thankful that we get to journey together with all of you in growing in faith!

Shine the Light of Christ!