Over the years I have noticed that Christmas celebrations and decorations go up weeks and even months before Christmas actually arrives. I grew up celebrating Advent throughout December with very few decorations other than an Advent wreath. For most families now Advent has just become an extension of Christmas. We have all read denunciations of commercialization and pleas to put Christ back into Christmas. But how do we put Christ back into Christmas? I believe the key to Christmas is not the day itself, but rather the key is Advent. The near forgotten season, lost in shopping, baking, buying presents, parties, etc. Can we really hear the message of the prophets calling us in this Advent season to make straight our paths to the Lord with so much business? This year let us make a special effort to be watchful for the ways Christ comes to us each day. Let us make it a priority to go to confession. Let us make it a priority to be more prayerful. This year may Christmas find us ready to feel again the joy of the incarnation. ~Fr Terry