Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I hope all of you who attended the parish mission enjoyed it. Fr Michael was very happy as he went back to Chicago Thank you for taking time out to reflect and journey in a different way. In today’s Gospel we hear the story of the Annunciation. It is a reminder that the Savior is near. Advent is a time of preparation of anticipation. For those of us who grew up in a different time a different place that sense of anticipation is often spoiled by the celebration of Christmas that takes place before the event. I remember my first Christmas here many years ago and the disappointment when on the day after Christmas I saw trees and lights in the alley and the Christmas music had stopped. For me growing up in a different place and time I was allowed to have that sense of anticipation and then enjoy the celebration that went on for the twelve days after Christmas. The Annunciation reminds us that a mother has to wait for the Child. Advent is about waiting and watching, anticipating the lighting of every candle over the four weeks preparing the way of the Lord. We listen as John the Baptist the voice in the wilderness challenges us, we wait with Mary and we journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Like life advent is a journey to and with the Lord.Hopefully we can find a little time to slow down and reflect on the wondrous things that are happening and realize we are being called to journey with Mary and Joseph and then celebrate with Joy His coming at Christmas and then as a Christian continue to celebrate through the twelve days to his Epiphany. As we light the pink candle today we know the Lord is near. Let us continue to journey and pray together as we await his coming. Pray for me as I pray for you, Fr Karl