In the midst of the Advent Season, marked by environment and vestments of seraph purple, suddenly and predictably comes this change of gears to the color rose. This is meant both to signify and to encourage in us a spirit of remarkable joy.

     Why? Well, at its simplest is the reality that we have made headway from the first moments, sights and sounds of Advent to the great Feast of the Incarnation of Our Lord which is Christmas. There also is the reality that the more God has revealed to us in these weeks the more we have come to know about ourselves. There is in us and about us at least something, but more likely much that God beholds with love. And, of course, this mile marker reminds us that we have made progress on the journey to the Return of the Child who became Messiah in history and comes again to fulfill all that has been promised to us. That day is on the horizon toward which we move.

     In both Isaiah and Matthew in today’s Liturgy of the Word, human eyes and hearts are called to see their world being made new. Our planning and work of this season can bring a new look, sound, and feel to our homes, work places, schools, and, yes the church where we gather to pray, see, hear, worship and adore our God. God comes with divine vindication and recompense. God has chosen gifts for us, some we would know to ask and perhaps have ... some we could not imagine asking but don’t have to.

     In the lurch forward to be ready to meet everyone’s hopes and expectations, please don’t fail to note where God brings us!